Malawi have announced a 32-player provisional squad as preparations gather pace for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where the Scorchers will make their tournament debut.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili has blended experienced campaigners with a number of promising youngsters in the squad, with captain Tabitha Chawinga and vice-captain Temwa Chawinga leading the team’s preparations for the continental showpiece.
Temwa returns to the national team after missing Malawi’s recent international matches, providing a major boost ahead of the competition. Fazili has also handed senior invitations to two U-20 players, Takondwa Chinyamvula and Fatima Lali, as part of his plans to strengthen the squad for the future.
The Scorchers are expected to open their training camp on Sunday at Mpira Village in Blantyre. While the majority of the overseas-based players are due to arrive at the start of camp, Faith Chinzimu, Asimenye Simwaka and Temwa Chawinga will link up with the squad later.
Malawi face a daunting task in their first-ever WAFCON appearance after being drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, neighbours Zambia and Egypt.
The Scorchers begin their campaign against the Super Falcons on Tuesday, July 28, at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat before taking on Zambia and Egypt in their remaining group matches.
Malawi’s Provisional Squad for WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo (Civil Service Women), Yamikan Kaonga (MDF Lioness), Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Thoko Mwase (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women).
Defenders: Doreen Dickson (MDF Lioness), Tionge Phiri (Silver Strikers Ladies), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Talandira Chinyamvula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Benadetta Mkandawire (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe).
Midfielders: Funny Magombo (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Rose Smith Kabzere (Montpellier HSC Féminines), Faith Chinzimu (BK Häcken), Chikondi Gondwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Madyina Nguluwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Tendai Sani (ZISD), Vanessa Chipikula (Palm Hills Sports Club), Lyna James (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Sarah Mlimbika (Green Buffaloes Women), Vitumbiko Mercy Mkandawire (Civil Service Women), Asimenye Simwaka (MDF Lioness).
Forwards: Sabina Thom (Phoenix Academy Marrakesh), Deborah Henry (Silver Strikers Ladies), Chisomo Banda (Konkola Blades Queens FC), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current), Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais), Mary Chavinda (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Fatima Lali (Ascent Soccer Academy).