Fazili Credits Friendly Matches and FIFA Series for Malawi’s Historic WAFCON Run

Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili believes the team’s exposure to international opposition before the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations played a major role in their remarkable run to the final.

The Scorchers have made history at their first-ever WAFCON appearance, reaching the championship match after defeating Algeria 3-1 in the semi-finals.

Malawi will now face Cameroon in the final after the Indomitable Lionesses overcame hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties following a goalless draw in regulation time.

Friendlies Provided Valuable Experience

Fazili believes the team’s preparations, including a series of international friendly matches arranged by the Malawi Football Association (FAM), helped the players develop the resilience required to compete on Africa’s biggest stage.

Malawi played six matches in preparation for the tournament, recording five defeats and one draw against Tanzania.

The Scorchers also participated in the FIFA Series in April, where they faced strong opposition in Australia and India, losing 5-0 and 3-2 respectively.

Although the results were difficult, Fazili believes those matches exposed his players to the intensity and pressure they would encounter at WAFCON.

The coach feels the experience gained from playing against higher-ranked opponents helped Malawi grow mentally and tactically ahead of their historic tournament campaign.

Fazili Still Amazed by Historic Achievement

Following the semi-final victory over Algeria, Fazili struggled to hide his emotions, describing Malawi’s qualification for the final as something he could hardly believe.

“I have been in coaching for many years and have achieved different things, but this is something else. I still cannot believe it,” Fazili said.

“It feels like I am dreaming that we have reached the final. A huge thank you to the players, because they gave everything, as well as my backroom staff and FAM for all the support.”

Despite the historic achievement, Fazili insists the job is not finished.

“We have reached the final, but there is still work to do,” he added.

The Scorchers will now prepare for the biggest match in their history as they look to complete an extraordinary WAFCON journey by lifting the continental title on their debut.