Rachael Kaphaizi
Malawi Women’s National Football Team coach Lovemore Fazili says the Scorchers are prepared for Thursday’s international friendly against Morocco, describing the match as a crucial test before their historic debut at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Having arrived in Rabat on Tuesday, the Scorchers will face the hosts as part of their final preparations before opening their Group C campaign later this month.
Fazili noted that the friendly will allow his technical panel to assess all available players and strengthen team coordination ahead of the continental tournament.
“Our main purpose is to observe every available player in tomorrow’s game and assess how local and foreign-based players combine on the field. We also aim to improve our team coordination as we prepare for WAFCON,” he said.
The coach admitted his side struggled to convert chances in recent friendlies against Tanzania but believes improvements in finishing have been made during training.
“We created opportunities and got into good scoring positions but failed to capitalise. We’ve addressed those areas, and I am confident we will perform much better in tomorrow’s match,” Fazili said.
The Scorchers also face Morocco with memories of last year’s dramatic 4-2 defeat, where they surrendered a two-goal lead. Fazili said the team has analysed that performance and addressed the defensive lapses that proved costly.
“We understand why we conceded those goals after leading 2-0. We’ve worked on those issues, and I believe the players will deliver a strong performance and a positive result,” he said.
Fazili added that morale is high following their arrival in Morocco, noting that the weather is similar to Malawi’s and will not affect their preparations.
“Morale is high, everyone is ready, and the weather feels just like home. We cannot use conditions as an excuse. We are prepared for the game,” he said.
After facing Morocco, the Scorchers will meet Ghana in another international friendly on 23 July before beginning their maiden WAFCON campaign against defending champions Nigeria on 28 July.
Malawi are in Group C with Nigeria, Egypt, and Zambia. The top two teams will progress to the quarterfinals.
