WAFCON: Malawi to finish game in Angola – Fazili

Malawi women’s football team coach Lovemore Fazili has commented on their approach to Thursday’s away game against Angola and striker Temwa Chawinga’s absence.

The Scorchers mentor insisted that he has enough cover for the injured Kansas City Current forward and does not expect the game-plan to be affected in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round, first leg match.

The ex-Silver Strikers star then hinted on their approach against Angola, stressing the need for getting the job done on the road and finishing it in Lilongwe.

“We have prepared very well. We have done everything starting from home. Of course, it [Temwa’s absence] can be a blow, but at the same time, we always have other options. She is injured. We wish her well; a quick recovery, but we have plan B; we have a replacement. Yes, we are missing her but we have other players who can also do better,” the coach explained.

Who can step in the shoes of Temwa Chawinga?

In the absence of Temwa, Malawi can bank on skipper Tabitha Chawinga (Lyon), Rose Kabzere of French side Montpellier and attacker Vanessa Chikupila (Biik Kazygurt, Kazakhstan).

Fazili then explained why Malawi want to seal the first leg contest with a win to enhance chances of qualifying for the WAFCON finals.

“We have not come here to defend. We have come here to win. Yes, the defending aspect will be there because it is part of the game, but we have come here to play, score and attack because we want to finish the game here so that when we come to Malawi, it should just be a walk-over,” he added.

In the opposite camp, Brazil-based striker Patricia Seteco will lead Angola when they host Malawi next week. The Ferroviaria SAF star is the notable face in Angola coach Sousa Garcia’s 23-member squad.

Angola’s squad comprises other foreign-based players including Sweden and Greece-based Flora Lacho (Tripolis) and Alexandra Soares (HB Kolge) respectively while Sarah Luvumba plays for TP Mazembe ladies.

The two teams will meet again at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe five days later with the overall winner qualifying for the WAFCON finals scheduled for Morocco next March.