WAFCON (Q): All to play for as Angola, Malawi share spoils

The Angola women’s national team underutilized home ground advantage after settling for a goalless draw against Malawi in a 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying match on Thursday.

The result leaves prospects of qualifying for the Morocco WAFCON finals open for both teams, although the Scorchers feel they have the wind in their sails heading into the reverse fixture in Lilongwe next week.

Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili named a strong starting XI for the away match at November 11 Stadium where entry was free of charge. Tabitha Chawinga led the frontline in the absence of her injured sister Temwa.

The Lyon ladies star had, the previous day, played her part to motivate her team-mates by donating football boots to the entire squad.

How the first leg WAFCON action between Angola and Malawi panned out

When the first leg action kicked off, Chawinga hit the ground running. The 2025 CAF Women’s Player of the Year nominee had a chance to put the Scorchers ahead in the 34^th minute.  She used her pace and athleticism to cut in from the left, but her shot went inches wide of the upright in the 34^th minute. The first half ended goalless with all to play for in the second phase.

The action continued to revolve around Chawinga, who broke through on the left and cut inside, but winger Asimenye Simwaka’s effort flew off target in the 67^th minute.

In the opposite camp, Brazil-based striker Patricia Seteco is reported to have had some scoring chances but she could not convert them.

Angola’s squad also comprised stars such as Flora Lacho, Alexandra Soares and Sarah Luvumba.

Malawi will host the Angolans on Tuesday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe where the ultimate overall winner of the two-legged tie will qualify for the WAFCON finals.

Starting XI:

Angola: Maria Muecalia, Manuela Simao, Catia Alves, Matondo Matuvova, Sara Luvunga, Patricia Seteco, Lacho Marta, Alexandra Soares, Paulina Sambo, Arminda Lopes, Margaret Salvador

Malawi’s starting XI: Mercy Sikelo, Chimwemwe Madisa, Irene Khumalo, Rose Alufandika, Bernadetter Mkandawire, Faith Chinzimu, Rose Kadzere, Asimenye Simwaka, Vanessa Chikupira, Sabina Thom, Tabitha Chawinga

Image: Angola v Malawi: Photo Credit: Federation of Angolan Football’s Facebook page