The head coach of Malawi’s female national team, Lovemore Fazili has thrown the lid off a number of secret factors that helped the squad finish as Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) runners-up in their very first outing at the continental championship, Sports247 reports.
Despite losing Sunday’s final 3-0 to Cameroon, Malawians are still basking in the euphoria of their team’s historic achievement, for which Fazili thanked the fans and government, while also disclosing that his players played with desire and determination.
Fazili further pointed to cordial bonding among the officials and players in his squad as well as adequate welfare conditions put in place by Malawi Football Association (MFA), all of which took the team into the WAFCON history book at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
The Scorchers opened their campaign by stunning 10-time champions Nigeria 3-2 in Group C, then placed top to reach the knockout stage, made it to the FIFA Women’s World Cup with their spot in the WAFCON 2026 semi-finals and eventually got to Sunday’s final.
Their semi-final placement in Morocco meant The Scorchers became the second national team from their country to qualify for a FIFA tournament, after Malawi men’s cadet side competed at the U-17 World Cup in 2009, and Fazili admitted he is proud to head this female squad.
Fazili expatiated, “We have a good team, which is composed of youngsters and experienced players. With their combinations, we managed to reach this final, and we have players who have heart for the game of football. They put everything 100% on the game to reach this far.
“I’m happy with them. For us, this is a big achievement. We are very happy. It is our first time to play in the WAFCON. I am happy we have qualified for the FIFA World Cup, and reaching the final is a good achievement. I’m sure everybody is happy about this.
“The good thing, as coaches, is that we must bond with players. You know, players are not animals, these are human beings. If they want to be corrected, we need to do that in a sober mind. You don’t need to be hard on them.”
