Scorchers Coach Encouraged by Performance Ahead of WAFCON Preparations
Malawi Women’s National Team head coach Lovemore Fazili has refused to panic following his side’s narrow defeat to Tanzania in an international friendly, insisting the performance offered plenty of positives despite the result.
The Scorchers suffered a 1-0 loss to the Twiga Stars in a preparatory match played in Dar es Salaam, but Fazili believes the scoreline did not accurately reflect the balance of play.
Malawi Left Frustrated by Missed Chances
According to the Malawi coach, his players created enough opportunities to win the game comfortably but failed to convert their chances in front of goal.
Fazili pointed to the number of clear opportunities his side produced during the contest, arguing that better finishing would have resulted in a completely different outcome.
The coach maintained that while the result was disappointing on paper, the overall performance provided encouragement as the team continues its preparations for major continental competition.
Supporters Voice Concerns
The defeat has sparked debate among some Malawian football supporters, with questions being raised about whether the Scorchers are ready to compete successfully at the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Some fans have expressed concern over the team’s ability to deliver positive results against stronger opposition if they continue struggling to convert scoring opportunities.
However, Fazili believes there is no reason for alarm at this stage of the preparations.
Focus on Improving Finishing
The coach acknowledged that finishing remains an area that requires attention ahead of future matches.
He explained that the technical bench will continue working closely with the players to improve efficiency in front of goal while maintaining the positive attacking approach displayed against Tanzania.
Fazili stressed that creating chances is an important foundation, adding that converting them consistently will be the next step for the squad.
Goalkeeper Earns Praise
Despite the defeat, Fazili singled out goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo for special recognition following her performance during the match.
The coach commended the shot-stopper for her contribution and highlighted her role in keeping the team competitive throughout the encounter.
Her display was one of several positives the technical bench took from the fixture.
Tanzania Capitalise on Their Opportunity
While Malawi enjoyed long spells of possession and created numerous attacking situations, Tanzania made the most of their key opportunity.
The home side secured victory through captain Anastanzia Katunzi, whose goal proved enough to separate the two teams at the final whistle.
Eyes Still Fixed on Morocco
The friendly forms part of both nations’ preparations for the upcoming CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Originally, Malawi had planned to face both Tanzania and Ghana during the international window, but changes to the schedule resulted in the Scorchers arranging two matches against the Twiga Stars instead.
With WAFCON fast approaching, Fazili remains confident that his team is moving in the right direction and believes lessons learned from the defeat will help the Scorchers become stronger ahead of the continental tournament.
