Fazili fires warning: ‘Malawi women’s team not underdog’

Malawi women’s national team coach Lovemore Fazili has fired warning shots that it is a risky policy viewing his side as underdogs in any competition.

The man who steered the Scorchers to their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Championship title in 2023, issued the friendly warning ahead of their participation in the Four Nations FIFA Series Tournament scheduled for Kenya.

FIFA Series International Women’s Friendlies | Kenya

The Scorchers will face Australia on 11 April, with the winner advancing to the final to play either Kenya or India four days later.

The losing teams from the semifinals will compete in the third-place playoff. pic.twitter.com/ZX1Lxdo5kb

— FA Malawi (@FaMalawi) April 2, 2026

The Scorchers will open the FIFA Series with a meeting against Australia in Kenya at Nyayo Stadium on Saturday. Ahead of the first-ever encounter between the two sides, the Silver Strikers FC legend made a bold declaration.

Malawi coach sends clear message

“These games are very important considering that these are also international matches which involve Asian and European teams,” Fazili told the Football Association of Malawi media.

“For example, in our first game we are playing Australia; a tough game but we are not going there as underdogs. We are no longer underdogs because we managed to qualify for WAFCON [Women’s Africa Cup of Nations] finals, so it is a big team.”

Having travelled to Nairobi with a strong squad that includes captain Tabitha Chawinga of Olympique Lyonnes ladies in France, the former Flames’ assistant coach has every reason to feel confident.

“When we start our first game, it is going to be tough, but what we are looking for from these games are positive performances. With the coming in of the professional players, honestly speaking, we are going to have better matches in Nairobi,” Fazili added.

More about Four Nations FIFA Series

Malawi will meet Australia on 11 April to decide the winner who will eventually take on either hosts Kenya or India four days later. The losing teams will contest the third-place playoff.

The 2023 COSAFA Women’s champions regrouped for camp training in Blantyre last Wednesday.