Malawi women’s team target perfect group-stage record as they face Zambia in WAFCON 2026 finale
Malawi women’s team chase a third straight win against Zambia in the Group C finale at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as Fazili backs his full squad.
Malawi’s head coach Lovemore Fazili has declared his side will not settle for anything less than maximum points as they prepare to face neighbours Zambia in the decisive Group C match at Al Medina Stadium on Wednesday night. The Scorchers currently sit on six points after victories over Nigeria and Egypt and can secure progression to the quarter-finals with a draw or confirm top spot with a win. Fazili said the squad is fit, motivated and aiming to complete a clean sweep in Morocco, despite one enforced defensive absence. The coach also highlighted the arrival of sprinter-turned-winger Asimenye Simwaka, who flew into camp straight from the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
Fazili demands maximum points in Group C finale
Malawi’s manager framed the encounter with Zambia as a must-win in spirit, even if a draw would mathematically suffice to reach the knockout stages. Fazili emphasized that the team’s mentality is geared toward winning all three group games and maintaining the momentum built from an opening upset of defending champions Nigeria. He praised his players’ professionalism and said every member of the squad has been told they must be ready to step in if called upon. The coach underlined that scoring has been shared across the squad, giving him tactical flexibility going into the decisive fixture.
Suspension leaves defensive void after red card
Malawi will be without regular defender Rose Alufandika after she received a straight red card for a late tackle on an Egyptian forward in the second group match. Fazili acknowledged the loss but played down concerns, saying the team has suitable alternatives to plug the defensive gap and preserve their shape. He noted that the disciplinary absence presents an opportunity for other defenders to stake a claim and for the coaching staff to test different combinations. The suspension will force a reshuffle at the back, but Fazili insisted continuity in the team’s pressing and attacking approach will remain intact.
Commonwealth runner arrives: Asimenye Simwaka’s switch
Asimenye Simwaka joined the Malawi camp in Morocco straight after competing at the Commonwealth Games, where she contested the 400m and 200m events for the country. Fazili welcomed her late arrival and described Simwaka as a versatile option who brings pace and athleticism to the wide positions. The coach said he expects Simwaka to be available to make an impact off the bench or to start if the tactical plan calls for direct transitions and high-intensity runs behind the Zambian defence. Simwaka’s recent athletics schedule included a disqualification from the 400m final after a lane infringement, but she reached the semi-finals of the 200m, demonstrating sharp speed and competitive match fitness.
Tactical options and squad depth
Malawi’s selection headaches are limited more by opportunity than shortage, according to Fazili, who stressed that several players have pushed for minutes through strong training performances. The team’s attacking output — three goals against Nigeria followed by a strong showing versus Egypt — has allowed the coach to consider multiple forward partnerships and midfield rotations. With Alufandika suspended, Fazili is likely to pick from a pool of defenders who have experience in his system, favouring players capable of maintaining high defensive lines and quick recovery runs. Set-piece organisation and counter-attacking transitions will be areas of particular focus against a Zambian side known for physicality and direct play.
Road to the quarter-finals: standings and scenarios
Malawi’s wins over Nigeria (3-2) and Egypt (3-1) have put them in an enviable position in Group C, where they lead the table and can confirm progression with a draw in the final round. A win would guarantee them first place and a more favourable draw in the quarter-finals, while a loss could open the group to last-minute permutations depending on other results. Fazili acknowledged the mathematical simplicity of the situation but insisted his players must approach the game with the same urgency they displayed in earlier matches. He reminded the squad that regional rivalries add an extra layer of intensity and that Zambia will arrive with their own objectives and tactical plan.
Matchday logistics and atmosphere at Al Medina
Al Medina Stadium is set to host a vibrant, high-stakes clash between two neighbouring nations with a growing fan presence in Morocco. Organisers have reported strong local and travelling support as the tournament captures interest across the continent, creating an electric atmosphere for evening fixtures. Fazili said the players have adapted well to the venue and conditions and that the team’s preparation has included sessions timed to mirror the match’s kickoff to reduce any environmental adjustment. The coach also underlined the importance of keeping players hydrated and mentally focused in a compressed tournament schedule.
Malawi’s route through Group C has been marked by disciplined defending and opportunistic finishing, while the coaching staff has rotated the squad to keep energy levels high. Fazili’s insistence on a winning mindset and his willingness to use different attacking permutations have helped the team maintain unpredictability. The addition of Simwaka adds an extra dimension of raw pace, which could be decisive in wide areas late in the game when defenders tire. The absence of Alufandika will be tested, but the squad’s collective form suggests they are prepared to adapt.
Malawi’s supporters will travel in numbers and the players know that regional bragging rights are on the line as much as tournament progression. Fazili has called for composure and discipline to control the narrative of the match, urging his side to stick to the plan and not be drawn into cynical play or stoppage-time scrambles. With the quarter-finals within reach, the Scorchers have the platform to complete a perfect group stage and carry confidence into the knockout rounds.
The decisive Group C match against Zambia will reveal whether Malawi can convert tournament promise into consistent performance, and whether Fazili’s rotations and late reinforcements pay off under pressure. A result on Wednesday night will settle the immediate questions and set the tone for Malawi’s bid deeper into the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
