Malawi women's national football team

Malawi
Shirt badge/Association crest
NicknameScorchers
AssociationFAM
ConfederationCAF
Sub-confederationCOSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coachMalawi Lovemore Fazili
CaptainTabitha Chawinga
Chisomo Kazisonga
Top scorerTabitha Chawinga (35+)
Home stadiumBingu National Stadium
FIFA codeMWI
First colours
Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 153 Steady (16 June 2026)[1]
Highest110 (December 2017 – March 2018)
Lowest159 (June – August 2023)
First international
 Zambia 8–0 Malawi 
(Harare, Zimbabwe; 20 April 2002)
Biggest win
 Malawi 17–0 Seychelles 
(Blantyre, Malawi; 25 September 2023)
 Malawi 17–0 Seychelles 
(Blantyre, Malawi; 28 September 2023)
Biggest defeat
 Zambia 8–0 Malawi 
(Harare, Zimbabwe; 20 April 2002)
World Cup
Appearances1 (first in 2027)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances1 (first in 2026)
Best resultRunners-up (2026)
Medal record
Women's Africa Cup of Nations
Silver medal – second place2026 Morocco

The Malawi women's national football team, nicknamed the Scorchers, represents Malawi in international women's association football. Established in the early 2000s, and is controlled by the Football Association of Malawi (FAM), the team qualified for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 2026. Its most notable achievements are winning the 2023 COSAFA Women's Championship and qualifying for the FIFA Women's World Cup, in 2027.

History

2002–2010: Formation and Early Years

The Malawi women's national football team was established in the early 2000s, during a period when many African nations were forming women's teams. Malawi made its first appearance on the international stage in April 2002, participating in the inaugural COSAFA Women's Championship held in Harare, Zimbabwe. In their first official match on 20 April 2002, they were defeated 8–0 by neighboring Zambia. The team recorded its first victory in the following match, defeating Lesotho 3–0, before losing to the hosts in the final match of the tournament.

In 2004, Malawi took part in its first qualifying campaign for the African Women's Championship, advancing past Uganda by walkover before losing 9–0 on aggregate to Ethiopia. A second attempt in 2006 was unsuccessful, although the team earned its first point with a scoreless draw against Benin in the second leg. From that period until the 2010s, Malawi competed primarily at the regional level, participating in the COSAFA Women's Championship.

2011–2018: Building Phase

In 2011, during the fourth COSAFA Women's Championship, Malawi made history by qualifying for the semi-finals for the first time. However, losses to South Africa and Tanzania left the team in fourth place. The following year, Malawi participated in the African Women's Championship qualifiers and recorded its first-ever victory in a continental qualifying match by defeating Zambia 4–2, overturning a heavy first-leg defeat. The team then went on a three-year hiatus before returning in 2015, when they played a friendly against Tanzania.[2][3] A similar situation occurred in 2016, with only a single match played throughout the year.[4]

The return of the COSAFA Women's Championship in 2017, and its transition to an annual event, proved crucial in providing competitive matches for the She-Flames.[5] Although the team was eliminated in the group stage in both 2017 and 2018, the number of games played tripled compared to the previous two years.

2019–present: Breakthrough Years

In 2019, Malawi participated in its first Olympic Games qualifying tournament, defeating Mozambique 11–1 and 3–0 across the two legs to advance to the first round.[6] At that year's COSAFA Women's Championship, Malawi recorded two wins out of three matches, including a notable 13–0 victory against Comoros.[7] Although the team was eliminated by Kenya in the first round of Olympic qualifying, their performance demonstrated significant progress.[8]

In January 2020, the team's nickname was officially changed to "the Scorchers", distinguishing them from the men's team, known as "the Flames".[9] Increased match experience led to improved results and a narrowing gap with top Southern African sides. In 2021, Malawi reached the final of the COSAFA Championship, narrowly losing to Tanzania.[10] Later that year, the team participated in the 2022 WAFCON qualifiers, facing regional rivals Zambia; although Malawi was eliminated after the second-leg loss, the results reflected continued improvement.[11]

In September 2023, as preparation for that year's regional tournament, Malawi played two friendly matches against Seychelles, winning both 17–0, marking their largest victories to date.[12] During the tournament itself, Malawi went undefeated and captured their first COSAFA Women's Championship title,[13] significantly raising the team's profile and paving the way for more fixtures.[14] While they failed to defend their title in 2024,[15] the federation arranged additional matches, and in 2025 the team played eight international friendlies, a record for the side.[16] In October 2025, Malawi achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, defeating Angola over a two-leg aggregate in the final qualifying round.[17]

On August 9, 2026 the team were in Rabat in Morocco at the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.[18] Temwa Chawinga had scored an equaliser against Ghana and Mercy Sikelo's goalkeeping was solid.[19] Rose Kadzere scored Malawi's second goal which won them a place in the semi-finals. More historically it earned a place for the Malawian team in the FIFA Women's World Cup. Malawi has never competed before at that level.[20] Malawi joined Algeria, Morocco and Cameroon to qualify for the World Cup in Brazil;[21] they were the lowest ranked national team to compete at either a men's or women's World Cup at FIFA rank 153.[22]

The team made the final of the WAFCON competition where they were beaten by Cameroon. As runners up the team won $750,000. Their debut run was lauded. The First Lady, Gertrude Mutharika, hosted a luncheon at the Kamuzu Presidential Palace on 20 August 2026, where she announced that each player was to receive 5 million kwacha from the President.[23]

Coaching staff

As of July 2024
Role Name
Head coach Malawi Lovemore Fazili
Assistant coach Malawi Maggie Chombo

Managers History

Results and fixtures

The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Lose   Fixture

2025

29 August Friendly Malawi  3–0  Lesotho Blantyre
15:00 CAT
Report Stadium: Mpira Stadium
31 August Friendly Malawi  3–0  Lesotho Blantyre
15:00 CAT Simwaka 45+4', 71', 75' Report Stadium: Mpira Stadium
23 October 2026 WAFCON qualifying Angola  0–0  Malawi Luanda, Angola
17:00 CAT Report Stadium: Estádio 11 de Novembro
Referee: Aline Umutoni (Rwanda)
28 October 2026 WAFCON qualifying Malawi  2–0  Angola Lilongwe
15:00 CAT Chinzimu 82', 84' Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Rachel Zihindula (DR Congo)
Note: Malawi won 2–0 on aggregate.
28 November 3 Nations Tournament Zimbabwe  2–1  Malawi Lilongwe
17:00 CAT Chinyerere 3', 37' Report Chinzimu 40' Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
Referee: Patricia Banda (Zambia)
30 November 3 Nations Tournament Malawi  1–1  Zambia Lilongwe
17:00 CAT Kadzere 56' Report Nanyangwe 65' Stadium: Bingu National Stadium

2026

18 February 2025 COSAFA Championship South Africa  2–0  Malawi Polokwane, South Africa
15:00 CAT
Report Stadium: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
Referee: Anna Banda (Zambia)
21 February 2025 COSAFA Championship Malawi  8–1  Lesotho Polokwane, South Africa
15:30 CAT
Report Stadium: Seshego Stadium
Referee: Laurinda Caluvi (Angola)
24 February 2025 COSAFA Championship Angola  0–1  Malawi Polokwane, South Africa
15:00 CAT Report Khumalo 77' Stadium: Old Peter Mokaba Stadium
Referee: Anna Banda (Zambia)
11 April 2026 FIFA Series Australia  5–0  Malawi Nairobi, Kenya
13:00 CAT
Report Stadium: Nyayo National Stadium
Referee: Emmanuela Clement (South Sudan)
15 April 2026 FIFA Series India  3–2  Malawi Nairobi, Kenya
14:00 CAT
Report
Stadium: Nyayo National Stadium
Referee: Yordanos Mulugeta (Ethiopia)
3 June Friendly Tanzania  1–0  Malawi Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
15:00 CAT Katunzi 48' Report Stadium: KMC Complex
16 July Friendly Morocco  2–1  Malawi Rabat, Morocco
21:00 CAT Stadium: Al Medina Stadium
28 July 2026 WAFCON Nigeria  2–3  Malawi Rabat, Morocco
22:00 CAT
Report
Stadium: Al Medina Stadium
Referee: Aline Umutoni (Rwanda)
12 August 2026 2026 WAFCON SF Algeria  1–3  Malawi Rabat, Morocco
18:00 UTC+0
Stadium: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
Referee: Eunice Akintoye (Nigeria)
16 August 2026 (2026-08-16) 2026 WAFCON Final Cameroon  3–0  Malawi Rabat
20:00
Report (FIFA) Stadium: Moulay El Hassan Stadium
Referee: Shahenda El Maghrabi (Egypt)

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco.[32]

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Club
1 1GK Mercy Sikelo (1997-12-22) December 22, 1997 Football Association of Malawi Civil Service United
23 1GK Esther Maulidi (2008-02-03) February 3, 2008 Football Association of Malawi Mighty Wanderers Queens
16 1GK Yamikani Kaonga (2004-10-11) October 11, 2004 Football Association of Malawi MDF Lioness
18 2DF Ireen Khumalo (2003-12-12) December 12, 2003 Football Association of Malawi Silver Strikers Ladies
21 2DF Rose Alufandika (2005-11-04) November 4, 2005 Football Association of Malawi Kukoma Ntopwa
2 2DF Olivia Phikani (2006-07-20) July 20, 2006 Football Association of Malawi Kukoma Ntopwa
5 2DF Tionge Phiri (2000-08-28) August 28, 2000 Football Association of Malawi Silver Strikers Ladies
22 2DF Benadetta Mkandawire (2003-09-28) September 28, 2003 Football Association of Malawi FCB Nyasa Big Bullets
4 2DF Chimwemwe Madise (1992-04-06) April 6, 1992 Congolese Association Football Federation TP Mazembe
14 2DF Maggie Chavula (2005-04-28) April 28, 2005 Football Association of Malawi Ascent Soccer
3MF Rose Kadzere (2006-06-16) June 16, 2006 French Football Federation Montpellier
20 3MF Sara Mlimbika (2007-01-11) January 11, 2007 Football Association of Zambia Green Buffaloes
3MF Madyina Ngulube (1996-06-18) June 18, 1996 Football Association of Malawi Silver Strikers Ladies
3MF Leticia Chinyamula (2006-06-12) June 12, 2006 Football Association of Malawi Ascent Soccer
3MF Faith Chinzimu (2007-02-21) February 21, 2007 Swedish Football Association BK Häcken
3MF Chikondi Gondwe (1998-09-16) September 16, 1998 Football Association of Malawi Silver Strikers Ladies
4FW Vanessa Chikupira (1996-04-02) April 2, 1996 Egyptian Football Association Palm Hills
4FW Mercy Vitumbiko Mkandawire (2000-12-17) December 17, 2000 Football Association of Zambia Civil Service
4FW Deborah Henry (2004-09-28) September 28, 2004 Football Association of Malawi Silver Strikers
4FW Asimenye Simwaka (1997-08-08) August 8, 1997 Football Association of Malawi MDF Lioness
4FW Sabina Thom (1996-03-03) March 3, 1996 Royal Moroccan Football Federation Phoenix Marrakesh
11 4FW Tabitha Chaŵinga (1996-05-22) May 22, 1996 French Football Federation Lyon
4FW Temwa Chaŵinga (1998-09-20) September 20, 1998 United States Soccer Federation Kansas City Current

Recent call-ups

The following players have been called up to a squad within the past 12 months.[33]

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Thoko Mwase - - Malawi FCB Nyasa Big Bullets v.  Zambia, 30 November 2025
GK Ireen Sibande - - Malawi Silver Strikers Ladies v.  Zambia, 30 November 2025
DF Maureen Kenneth - - Malawi Ascent Soccer v.  Zambia, 30 November 2025
DF Doreen Dickson (2001-02-22) February 22, 2001 - - Malawi MDF Lioness v.  India, 15 April 2026
DF Doreen Dickson (2001-02-22) February 22, 2001 - - Malawi MDF Lioness v.  Angola, 24 February 2026
DF Maureen Kenneth (2007-10-28) October 28, 2007 - - Malawi Ascent Soccer v.  Angola, 24 February 2026
MF Tendai Sani - - Zambia ZISD v.  India, 15 April 2026
MF Funny Magombo (2005-04-05) April 5, 2005 - - Malawi Kukoma Ntopwa v.  Zambia, 30 November 2025
MF Funny Moyo - - Malawi Mighty Wanderers FC v.  Zambia, 30 November 2025
MF Lyna James (1998-12-23) December 23, 1998 - - Malawi FCB Nyasa Big Bullets v.  India, 15 April 2026
MF Tendai Sani (2004-01-11) January 11, 2004 - - Zambia ZISD v.  Angola, 24 February 2026
MF Lyna James (1998-11-23) November 23, 1998 - - Malawi FCB Nyasa Big Bullets v.  Angola, 24 February 2026
MF Funny Magombo (2005-04-05) April 5, 2005 - - Malawi Kukoma Ntopwa v.  Angola, 24 February 2026
FW Catherine Kachala - - Malawi MDF Lioness v.  Zambia, 30 November 2025
FW Chisomo Banda - - Zambia FCB Nyasa Big Bullets v.  India, 15 April 2026
FW Sarah Mulimbika (2007-01-11) January 11, 2007 - - Malawi Kukoma Ntopwa v.  India, 15 April 2026
FW Mary Chavinda (1998-12-27) December 27, 1998 - - Malawi FCB Nyasa Big Bullets v.  Angola, 24 February 2026
FW Chisomo Banda (2003-11-03) November 3, 2003 - - Zambia Konkola Blades Queens v.  Angola, 24 February 2026

Previous squads

COSAFA Women's Championship

Malawi records and statistics

  • Malawi player sent off: - (2 times)
  • Biggest win: 17 - (2 times)
  • Biggest defeat: 8 - v Zambia, 20 April 2002
  • Most appearances: 17 - Chimwemwe Madise - 2020–present
  • Top goalscorer: 27 - Tabitha Chawinga - 2011–present
  • Longest winning streak: 7 - from 25 September 2023 to 15 October 2023
  • Longest unbeaten streak: 10 - from 25 September 2023 to 28 October 2024
  • Longest losing streak: 4 - (2 times)
    • from 24 April 2002 to 19 February 2006
    • from 5 April 2025 to 21 June 2025
  • Longest winless streak: 5 - (2 times)
    • from 24 April 2002 to 26 February 2006
    • from 11 April 2026 to 16 July 2026
  • Longest goalless streak: 477 minutes - from 24 April 2002 to 23 August 2006
  • Longest clean sheet streak: 371 minute - from 21 June 2025 to 28 November 2025
  • Most goals in a match: 17 - (2 times)
  • Most goals in first half: 9 v Seychelles, 28 September 2023
  • Most goals in second half: 9 - v Seychelles, 25 September 2023
  • Most goals by a player in a match: 8 - Linda Kasenda - v Comoros, 5 August 2019
  • Most goals by a player in first half: 4 - Tabitha Chaŵinga - v Lesotho, 7 November 2020
  • Most goals by a player in second half: 5 - Linda Kasenda - v Comoros, 5 August 2019
  • Most conceded in a match: 8 - (2 times)
  • Most goals conceded in first half: 4 - v Zambia, 14 January 2012
  • Most goals conceded in second half: 6 - v South Africa, 12 November 2020
  • Most goals by both teams in a match: 17 - (2 times)
  • Fewest goals by both teams in a match: 0 - (2 times)
  • Fastest goals: 115 seconds - Zainabu Kapanda - v Lesotho, 7 November 2020
  • Fastest goals by a opponent: 2nd minute - (2 times)
  • Fastest 2 goals: 0 minutes - (2 times)
  • Fastest 2 goals by a opponent: 1 minutes - (3 times)
  • Fastest 2 goals to start the match: 5th minute - v Lesotho, 7 November 2020
  • Fastest 2 goals to start the match by a opponent: 4th minute - v Zambia, 14 January 2012
  • Fastest 3 goals to start the match: 9th minute - v Seychelles, 28 September 2023
  • Latest goals scored: 90+13th minute - Maureen Kenneth - v Mauritius, 28 October 2024
  • Latest goals scored by a opponent: 90+9th minute - Uchenna Kanu - v Nigeria, 28 July 2026

Competitive record

FIFA Women's World Cup

FIFA Women's World Cup record
Host Result Pld W D* L GF GA Coach
China 1991 Did not enter
Sweden 1995
United States 1999
United States 2003
China 2007 Did not qualify
Germany 2011 Did not enter
Canada 2015
France 2019
AustraliaNew Zealand 2023 Did not qualify
Brazil 2027 Qualified
Total0/10——————
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Olympic Games

International Olympic Committee Olympic Games record
Year Result Pld W D* L GF GA Coach
United States 1996 Did not enter
Australia 2000
Greece 2004
China 2008
United Kingdom 2012
Brazil 2016
Japan 2020 Did not qualify
France 2024 Did not enter
United States 2028 To be determined
Total0/9——————
*Denotes draws include knockout matches decided via penalty shoot-out.

Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record
Year Result Pld W D* L GF GA Coach
Nigeria 1998 Did not enter
South Africa 2000
Nigeria 2002
South Africa 2004 Did not qualify
Nigeria 2006
Equatorial Guinea 2008 Did not enter
South Africa 2010
Equatorial Guinea 2012 Did not qualify
Namibia 2014 Did not enter
Cameroon 2016
Ghana 2018
Morocco 2022 Did not qualify
Morocco 2024 Did not enter
Morocco 2026 Runners-up64021210Lovemore Fazili
Total:1/14Runners-up64021210

COSAFA Championship

COSAFA Championship record
Year Result Pld W D* L GF GA Coach
Zimbabwe 2002 Group stage3102314
Zambia 2006 Group stage210133
Angola 2008 Unknown
Zimbabwe 2011 4th place5113919
Zimbabwe 2017 Group stage31111212Stewart Mbolembole
South Africa 2018 Group stage310228Maggie Chombo-Sadiki
South Africa 2019 Group stage3201163Abel Mkandawire
South Africa 2020 Semi-finals3201126McNelbert Kazuwa
South Africa 2021 Runners-up530297
South Africa 2022 Group stage311184Thom Mkolongo
South Africa 2023 Champions5500196Lovemore Fazili
South Africa 2024 Semi-finals4211113
South Africa 2025 Group stage320193
Total12/13422241611388

References

  1. ↑ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking". 16 June 2026. Retrieved 16 June 2026.
  2. ↑ Phimbi, Elijah (1 October 2015). "Malawi womens football team returns to action: To face Tanzania". nyasatimes.com. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  3. ↑ "Malawi Women To End International Football Hibernation". africansportsmonthly.com. 3 October 2015. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  4. ↑ Zgambo, Mike Lyson (29 December 2016). "Malawi's women football match against Zambia free of charge". malawi24. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  5. ↑ "Cosafa women's football tournament to have record participants". nyasatimes.com. 18 August 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  6. ↑ Muheya, Green (5 April 2019). "Malawi storm to 11-1 win against Mozambique in women football: 2020 Tokyo Olympics qualifiers". nyasatimes.com. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  7. ↑ "Team spirit drives national women's football team". mwnation.com. 11 August 2019. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  8. ↑ Phimbi, Elijah (2 September 2019). "Malawi women football team crush out of Olympic finals after Kenya defeat". nyasatimes.com. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  9. ↑ Maona, Benjamin (20 January 2020). "Call them 'The Scorchers', not 'She-Flames'". kulinji.com. Archived from the original on 27 October 2020. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  10. ↑ "Tanzania prevail over Malawi to win Cosafa Women's Championship". africatopsports.com. 9 October 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  11. ↑ "Shepolopolo tests in-form Malawi's appetite for AFCON". africanfootball.com. 19 October 2021. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  12. ↑ "Scorchers hammer Seychelles 17-0 in final friendly match". Africa Press. 4 December 2023. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  13. ↑ Vinestock, Drew (17 October 2023). "COSAFA Cup: Malawi claim historic title with win over Zambia". herfootballhub.com. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  14. ↑ "Malawian President rewards women's football team for winning COSAFA Championship". english.news.cn. 20 October 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  15. ↑ Mbewe, Edwin (31 October 2024). "Schorchers fail to defend Cosafa Women's Championship in Semi-Finals". maravipost.com. Lilongwe. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  16. ↑ Kanyama, Bright (10 June 2025). "Scorchers Set for Friendly Against Morocco". zodiakmalawi.com. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  17. ↑ "WAFCON 2026: Malawi make history with inaugural qualification". sportsafrica.net. 28 October 2025. Retrieved 6 November 2025.
  18. ↑ "Rose_Kadzere". www.fifa.com. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  19. ↑ Nzangaya, Archangel (10 August 2026). "Ghana down, World Cup booked: Scorchers make history". Malawi24. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  20. ↑ "History made! Malawi's Scorchers stun Ghana to book place at World Cup for the very first time – as nation erupts in wild celebration". 9 August 2026. Retrieved 10 August 2026.
  21. ↑ "Women's World Cup 2027: Algeria, Cameroon, Malawi & Morocco qualify". BBC Sport. 9 August 2026. Retrieved 11 August 2026.
  22. ↑ www.espn.com https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/49573364/the-whole-world-know-malawi-temwa-chawinga-eyes-world-cup-glory-wafcon-unlikely-heroes. Retrieved 10 August 2026. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  23. ↑ Nankhonya, Jacob (21 August 2026). "Scorchers players get K5m each from APM". Nation Online. Retrieved 22 August 2026.
  24. ↑ "She-polopolo massacre Malawi 7–0". 14 January 2012.
  25. ↑ "Thom Mkorongo appointed women's coach - the Times Group Malawi". 21 July 2015. Archived from the original on 19 May 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  26. ↑ "She-Flames coaches' contracts expire - the Times Group Malawi". 24 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 May 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  27. ↑ "She-Flames coach Stuart Mbolembole quits - the Times Group Malawi". 26 February 2018. Archived from the original on 22 May 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  28. ↑ "Abel Mkandawire is new She-Flames coach - the Times Group Malawi". 12 March 2019. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  29. ↑ "She-Flames coaches fired - the Times Group Malawi". November 2019. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  30. ↑ "FA Malawi appoints Kazuwa, Nkolongo as women football coaches – Malawi Nyasa Times – News from Malawi about Malawi". 11 March 2020. Archived from the original on 26 October 2020. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  31. ↑ Reporter, Our (12 August 2026). "Coaches body lauds Fazili". Nation Online. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  32. ↑ "Fazili Names Final Scorchers Squad for WAFCON". Football Association of Malawi. 11 July 2026. Retrieved 19 July 2026.
  33. ↑ Malawi Football Association [@malawi_fa]; (8 April 2026). "Here is the team to represent Malawi. 🇲🇼🔥 Scorchers squad for the FIFA Series in Kenya" – via Instagram.
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