WAFCON 2026: Malawi coach names strong squad for Super Falcons, others

Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili has announced a 32-player provisional squad ahead of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with star sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga spearheading the team's preparations.

The squad combines experienced internationals with emerging young talents as the Scorchers prepare for their maiden appearance at Africa's biggest women's football tournament.

Captain Tabitha Chawinga and vice-captain Temwa Chawinga headline the provisional list, with Temwa returning to the national team after missing recent international assignments.

Fazili has also rewarded two promising U-20 players, Takondwa Chinyamvula and Fatima Lali, with senior team call-ups as part of efforts to build for both the present and the future.

The Scorchers are expected to begin camping on Sunday at Mpira Village in Blantyre.

Most of the foreign-based players are scheduled to report at the start of camp, although Faith Chinzimu, Asimenye Simwaka and Temwa Chawinga are expected to join the squad later.

Malawi face a difficult challenge on their WAFCON debut after being drawn in Group C alongside reigning champions Nigeria, regional rivals Zambia and Egypt.

The Scorchers will kick off their campaign against Nigeria's Super Falcons on Tuesday, July 28, at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat before taking on Zambia and Egypt in their remaining group fixtures.

Goalkeepers:

Mercy Sikelo (Civil Service Women), Yamikan Kaonga (MDF Lioness), Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Thoko Mwase (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women).

Defenders:

Doreen Dickson (MDF Lioness), Tionge Phiri (Silver Strikers Ladies), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Talandira Chinyamvula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Benadetta Mkandawire (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe).

Midfielders:

Funny Magombo (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Rose Smith Kabzere (Montpellier HSC Féminines), Faith Chinzimu (BK Häcken), Chikondi Gondwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Madyina Nguluwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Tendai Sani (ZISD), Vanessa Chipikula (Palm Hills Sports Club), Lyna James (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Sarah Mlimbika (Green Buffaloes Women), Vitumbiko Mercy Mkandawire (Civil Service Women), Asimenye Simwaka (MDF Lioness).

Forwards:

Sabina Thom (Phoenix Academy Marrakesh), Deborah Henry (Silver Strikers Ladies), Chisomo Banda (Konkola Blades Queens FC), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current), Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais), Mary Chavinda (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Fatima Lali (Ascent Soccer Academy).