Malawi women’s national football team coach Lovemore Fazili hails COSAFA as perfect WAFCON rehearsal
Head coach Lovemore Fazili has described the ongoing COSAFA Women’s Championship in South Africa as a timely dress rehearsal for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), despite Malawi narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot.
The Scorchers exited the regional competition on a high note after securing a 1-0 victory over Angola women’s national football team at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. A stunning late free-kick from Ireen Khumalo sealed the win, ensuring Malawi finished their Group A campaign with six points.
However, goal difference denied them a place in the last four as the best runner-up — a result Fazili admitted was painful but ultimately constructive.
A bitter-sweet COSAFA campaign
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Fazili acknowledged the disappointment of falling short while emphasizing the positives gained from playing three competitive matches in quick succession.
“It was very painful to go out of the competition otherwise it was good. We played much better than in the other games. I am very proud of the way the players have played. Whatever we have learnt from this tournament, our target is now WAFCON.”
For the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship winners, the tournament served as more than just a regional contest — it became a crucial preparatory platform ahead of their historic WAFCON debut.
Competing in South Africa exposed the squad to varied tactical approaches, physical intensity and pressure situations — all key elements they are likely to face at continental level.
For more updates on African women’s football developments, CAF regularly publishes tournament insights on the official Confederation of African Football website (DoFollow):
👉 https://www.cafonline.com
Lovemore Fazili confident Malawi are WAFCON-ready
Fazili, who previously served on the technical panel under Meck Mwase during Malawi men’s qualification for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, believes the COSAFA experience came at the perfect time.
“There are a lot of things we have learnt from these matches,” he explained.
“I am very sure that whatever the players have learnt they will put it into use when we go to Morocco. COSAFA came at the right time. It has helped us in our preparations.”
The coach confirmed that preparations will continue without interruption.
“I don’t think we will break camp. We will continue training and some senior players will join us, then we will be ready for the teams at WAFCON.”
The approach signals a clear intent: Malawi are not travelling to WAFCON merely to participate — they are preparing to compete.
Malawi set for historic WAFCON 2026 debut
The 2026 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations marks a milestone for Malawi, who will be making their debut at the tournament.
Expanded from 12 to 16 teams, WAFCON 2026 will run from 17 March to 3 April in Morocco. Malawi have been drawn into a challenging Group C alongside:
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Nigeria women’s national football team (defending champions)
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Zambia women’s national football team
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Egypt women’s national football team
The Scorchers will make their debut against Nigeria on 18 March before facing Egypt three days later and concluding their group campaign against Zambia on 24 March.
For official updates on WAFCON fixtures and tournament details, visit the Confederation of African Football’s official website (DoFollow):
👉 https://www.cafonline.com
Malawi previously impressed at the 2023 COSAFA Women’s Championship