FIFA Series: Malawi coach vows to ring changes for India match

Malawi women’s national team coach Lovemore Fazili has vowed to ring the changes to his squad for Wednesday’s FIFA Series third play-off match against India in Kenya.

The Scorchers trainer hinted on the starting XI reshuffle after observing lapses in Saturday’s 0-5 loss to Australia in the semifinal at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

Time to respond. 💪🇲🇼🔥

Malawi V India
🕑 13:00 hrs

Watch live on: Mpira TV | FIFA + pic.twitter.com/S7OXrA51kJ

— FA Malawi (@FaMalawi) April 15, 2026

The game exposed the team’s lack of firepower upfront while first-choice goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo looked shaky often dropping balls.

Why Fazili is determined to rejig line-up

Such a performance prompted Fazili substitute the Ntopwa Queens keeper in the 68th minute with 20-year-old Mighty Wanderers Queens’ Esther Maulidi taking up the place between the sticks.

Now, in a pre-match press conference with the Malawi FA media on Tuesday, the coach said time has now come for him to try other players between the posts.

“We will change the line up and give a chance to other players,” said the coach.

“Obviously, we must change the goalkeeper. We must look into who can be her replacement …we can start the other goalkeeper and give her confidence. When she came in after we substituted Mercy, she did well so this is what we have been looking for so maybe we can give her another chance as well.”

The Malawi coach described India as a balanced team that defends and attacks as a team hence the need to counter them.

What Fazili expects from India

“We are prepared for India’s game,” the Scorchers trainer explained. “We have rectified whatever went wrong during the game against Australia. The players are aware about the game. We are supposed to get three points. It is a must-win game.”

“Tactically and technically, India is ok because they are playing as a team. They are playing 4-4-2 formation. We are going to counterattack. They are a good team, and we are also a good team, so whatever approach we will bring, should be positive.”

The opposition from Asia lost 2-0 to Kenya in another semifinal game played on Saturday. The hosts will now date Australia in the final of the FIFA Series.