Malawi unveils 32-player provisional squad for historic WAFCON debut
Nigeria's Group C rivals, Malawi, have announced a 32-player provisional squad ahead of the 2026 CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), as the Scorchers intensify preparations for their maiden appearance at the continental tournament.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili has largely kept faith with the squad that has represented Malawi throughout the year, while also rewarding promising Under-20 talents Takondwa Chinyamvula and Fatima Lali with places in the preliminary squad. Vice-captain Temwa Chawinga also returns after missing the team's recent fixtures, providing a significant boost to the Scorchers' ambitions.
Training camp is scheduled to begin on Sunday at Mpira Village in Blantyre, with most of the foreign-based players expected to report immediately. However, key stars Faith Chinzimu, Asimenye Simwaka and Temwa Chawinga will join the squad later.
Malawi face a daunting challenge on their WAFCON debut after being drawn alongside defending champions Nigeria, regional heavyweights Zambia and Egypt in a highly competitive Group C.
The Scorchers will begin their campaign against the Super Falcons on July 28 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat before facing Egypt on August 1 at the Moulay Hassan Stadium. They will wrap up their group-stage fixtures against neighbours Zambia on August 5 at Al Madina Stadium.
The tournament, which runs from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, will see the top two teams from each group and the two best third-placed sides progress to the quarter-finals.
Fazili's provisional squad features four goalkeepers, nine defenders, 12 midfielders and seven forwards, with sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga leading a squad hoping to make history in Morocco.
Malawi's 32-player provisional squad for WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo, Yamikani Kaonga, Esther Maulidi, Thoko Mwase.
Defenders: Doreen Dickson, Tionge Phiri, Rose Alufandika, Talandira Chinyamvula, Maggie Chavula, Benadetta Mkandawire, Ireen Khumalo, Olivia Phikani, Chimwemwe Madise.
Midfielders: Funny Magombo, Letticia Chinyamula, Rose Smith Kabzere, Faith Chinzimu, Chikondi Gondwe, Madyina Nguluwe, Tendai Sani, Vanessa Chipikula, Lyna James, Sarah Mlimbika, Vitumbiko Mercy Mkandawire, Asimenye Simwaka.
Forwards: Sabina Thom, Deborah Henry, Chisomo Banda, Temwa Chawinga, Tabitha Chawinga, Mary Chavinda and Fatima Lali.
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