Malawi women's national football team

Last updated

Malawi
Nickname(s) Scorchers
Association FAM
Confederation CAF
Sub-confederation COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach Lovermore Fazili
Captain Tabitha Chawinga
Chisomo Kazisonga
Home stadium Bingu National Stadium
FIFA code MWI
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First colours
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Second colours
FIFA ranking
Current 155 Decrease2.svg 1 (7 August 2025) [1]
Highest110 (December 2017 – March 2018)
Lowest159 (June – August 2023)
First international
Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia 8–0 Malawi  Flag of Malawi.svg
(Harare, Zimbabwe; 20 April 2002)
Biggest win
Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi 17–0 Seychelles  Flag of Seychelles.svg
(Blantyre, Malawi; 25 September 2023)
Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi 17–0 Seychelles  Flag of Seychelles.svg
(Blantyre, Malawi; 28 September 2023)
Biggest defeat
Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia 8–0 Malawi  Flag of Malawi.svg
(Harare, Zimbabwe; 20 April 2002)

The Malawi women's national football team represents Malawi in women's football at international level. It is overseen by the Football Association of Malawi.

Contents

History

In 2020 the nickname Scorchers was adopted for the team. Previously it was referred to as She-Flames. [2]

In 2023 Malawi won their first and only COSAFA title defeating Zambia 2–1 at the final. [3] It was announced shortly after Malawi won the COSAFA that there controversially would be no prize money available for any of the national teams. [4]

In February 2025 seven players flew back to Africa to join others picked to play Zambia by Lovemore Fazili. [5] Chimwemwe Madise and Sabina Thom are contracted to play in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Tabitha Chawinga and Rose Kabzere were in France. Bernadette Mkandawire was with Vanessa Chikupira in Zambia and Temwa Chawinga joined them from America. [6]

In July 2025 it was announced that a new sponsorship deal had been agreed with the National Bank of Malawi. The bank was to sponsor a ten club premier league of women's clubs. The sponsorship also included a substantial sum to underwrite the costs of the national women's team. [7]

Coaching staff

As of July 2024
RoleName
Head coach Flag of Malawi.svg Lovermore Fazili
Assistant coach Flag of Malawi.svg 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

2024

23 October 2024 (2024-10-23) 2024 COSAFA WC GS Malawi  Flag of Malawi.svg 1–1 Flag of Botswana.svg  Botswana Ibhayi, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2 Chizimu Soccerball shade.svg28' Report Moloi Soccerball shade.svg40'Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
Referee: Nteboheleng Setoko (Lesotho)
26 October 2024 (2024-10-26) 2024 COSAFA WC GS Malawi  Flag of Malawi.svg 1–0 Flag of Madagascar.svg  Madagascar Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2 Simwaka Soccerball shade.svg7' Report Stadium: Madibaz Stadium
Referee: Seonyatseng Tshephe (Botswana)
28 October 2024 (2024-10-28) 2024 COSAFA WC GS Mauritius  Flag of Mauritius.svg 0–9 Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi Gqeberha, South Africa
12:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Madibaz Stadium
Referee: Nteboheleng Setoko (Lesotho)
31 October 2024 (2024-10-31) 2024 COSAFA WC SF Malawi  Flag of Malawi.svg 0–2 Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia Ibhayi, South Africa
14:00  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
Referee: Vistoria Nuusiku Shangula (Namibia)

2025

20 February 2025 (2025-02-20) 2026 WAFCON qualifying Malawi  Flag of Malawi.svgCancelledFlag of the Republic of the Congo.svg  Congo Lilongwe, Malawi
15:00  UTC+2 Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
26 February 2025 (2025-02-26) 2026 WAFCON qualifying Congo  Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svgCancelledFlag of Malawi.svg  Malawi Brazzaville, Congo
15:30  UTC+1 Report Stadium: Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat
23 February Friendly Zambia  Flag of Zambia.svg2–0Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi Lusaka, Zambia
11:00  UTC+2 Report Stadium: REIZ Arena
25 February Friendly Zambia  Flag of Zambia.svg2–3Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi Lusaka, Zambia
11:30  UTC+2 Report
Stadium: REIZ Arena
5 April Friendly South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg3–0Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi Johannesburg, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2
Report Stadium: UJ Soweto Campus
8 April Friendly South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg2–1Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi Pretoria, South Africa
15:00  UTC+2
Report Chikupira Soccerball shade.svg58'Stadium: Lucas Moripe Stadium
19 June 2025 (2025-06-19) Friendly Morocco  Flag of Morocco.svg4–2Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi Kenitra, Morocco
20:30  UTC+1
Report Stadium: Kenitra Municipal Stadium
Referee: Aida Sy (Senegal)
21 June 2025 (2025-06-21) Friendly Ghana  Flag of Ghana.svg3–1Flag of Malawi.svg  Malawi Benslimane, Morocco
17:00  UTC+1 Boaduwaa Soccerball shade.svg23' (pen.), 32', 81' Report Sani Soccerball shade.svg15'Stadium: Ziaida Palace Complex

Players

Current squad

No.Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)Club
11 GK Mercy Sikelo (2000-11-28) November 28, 2000 (age 24) Flag of Malawi.svg Ntopwa
161 GK Yamikani Kaonga (2004-10-11) October 11, 2004 (age 20) Flag of Malawi.svg MDF Lioness
11 GK Ireen Sibande Flag of Malawi.svg Silver strikers Ladies

232 DF [[Bernadette Mkandawire {{{last}}}]] (2003-09-28) September 28, 2003 (age 21) Flag of Kazakhstan.svg BIIK Kazygurt
182 DF Ireen Khumalo (2003-12-12) December 12, 2003 (age 21) Flag of Malawi.svg Silver Strikers
212 DF Rose Alufandika (2005-11-04) November 4, 2005 (age 19) Flag of Malawi.svg Ntopwa
52 DF Maureen Kenneth (2007-10-28)October 28, 2007 (aged 16) Flag of Malawi.svg Ascent Academy
142 DF Maggie Chavula (2005-04-28) April 28, 2005 (age 20) Flag of Malawi.svg Ascent Academy
32 DF Justina Jumbo Flag of Malawi.svg Silver strikers Ladies
32 DF Olivia Phikani Flag of Malawi.svg Kukoma Ntopwa

153 MF Leticia Chinyamula (2006-06-12) June 12, 2006 (age 19) Flag of Malawi.svg Ascent Academy
83 MF Tendai Sani (2004-01-11) January 11, 2004 (age 21) Flag of Malawi.svg Nyasa Big Bullets
123 MF Zainab Kapanda (2002-03-12) March 12, 2002 (age 23) Flag of Malawi.svg Nyasa Big Bullets
3 MF Asimenye Simwaka (1997-08-08) August 8, 1997 (age 28) Flag of Malawi.svg MDF
3 MF Jessie Yosefe Flag of Malawi.svg CIVO
63 MF Rose Kadzere (2006-06-16) June 16, 2006 (age 19) Flag of France.svg Montpellier
203 MF Funny Magombo (2005-04-05) April 5, 2005 (age 20) Flag of Malawi.svg Ntopwa
23 MF Faith Chimzimu (2007-02-21) February 21, 2007 (age 18) Flag of Malawi.svg Ascent Academy
133 MF Vanessa Chikupira (1991-04-02) April 2, 1991 (age 34) Flag of Kazakhstan.svg BIIK Kazygurt
3 MF Victoria Mkwala Flag of Malawi.svg

74 FW Chisomo Banda Flag of Malawi.svg Silver Strikers
114 FW Tabitha Chawinga (1996-05-22) May 22, 1996 (age 29) Flag of France.svg Lyon
74 FW Fatima Ali Flag of Malawi.svg Silver Strikers

Recent call-ups

The following players had been called up to a squad in 12 months preceding the above draft.

Pos.PlayerDate of birth (age)CapsGoalsClubLatest call-up
GK Hendrina Phiri Flag of Malawi.svg Fact 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE

DF Joyce Oposi Flag of Malawi.svg MDF 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
DF Gladys Joseph Flag of Malawi.svg CIVO 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
DF Grace Yotamu Flag of Malawi.svg Nyasa Big Bullets 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
DF Patricia Nyirenda (1998-04-08) April 8, 1998 (age 27) Flag of Malawi.svg MDF 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship
DF Tamala Simeza -- Flag of Malawi.svg Blue Eagles v. Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia,25 February 2025
DF Chimwemwe Madise (1992-04-06) April 6, 1992 (age 33)-- Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg TP Mazembe v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa,8 April 2025

MF Letticia Chinyamula (2006-06-12) June 12, 2006 (age 19) Flag of Malawi.svg Ascent Academy 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
MF Caroline Matchola Flag of Malawi.svg Silver Strikers 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
MF Ruth Tambala Flag of Malawi.svg MDF 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
MF Wezzie Chavura Flag of Malawi.svg Silver Strikers 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
MF Linda Manda Flag of Malawi.svg Silver Strikers 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
MF Pililani Malora Flag of Malawi.svg Nyasa Big Bullets 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship
MF Lyna James (1998-11-23) November 23, 1998 (age 26) Flag of Malawi.svg Nyasa Big Bullets 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship
MF Sara Mulimbika (2007-01-11) January 11, 2007 (age 18)-- Flag of Malawi.svg Ndirande v. Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia,25 February 2025
MF Carolyne Mathyola (1999-05-03) May 3, 1999 (age 26)-- Flag of Malawi.svg Silver Strikers v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa,8 April 2025
MF Lydia Mchochoma -- Flag of Malawi.svg v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa,8 April 2025
MF Faluna Umali -- Flag of Malawi.svg v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa,8 April 2025

FW Kandau Banda Flag of Malawi.svg Ntopwa 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
FW Annie Mughogho Flag of Malawi.svg Hungry Lions 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
FW Chioma Okafor Flag of the United States.svg University of Connecticut 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship, PRE
FW Mary Chavinda Flag of Rwanda.svg Rayon Sports 2024 COSAFA Women's Championship
FW Temwa Chawinga (1998-09-20) September 20, 1998 (age 26)-- Flag of the United States.svg Kansas City v. Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia,25 February 2025
FW Catherine Kachala (2001-10-01) October 1, 2001 (age 23)-- Flag of Malawi.svg MDF v. Flag of Zambia.svg  Zambia,25 February 2025
FW Vitumbiko Mkandawire March 17 Flag of Zambia.svg ZISD v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa,8 April 2025
FW Sabina Thom (1996-03-03) March 3, 1996 (age 29)-- Flag of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.svg TP Mazembe v. Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa,8 April 2025

Previous squads

COSAFA Women's Championship

Tournament

World Cup

YearRoundGPWD*LGFGAGD
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2007 Did not qualify
Flag of Germany.svg 2011 Did not enter
Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg 2015
Flag of France.svg 2019 Did not enter
Flag of Australia (converted).svg Flag of New Zealand.svg 2023 Did not qualify
Flag of Brazil.svg 2027 To be determined

Olympic Games

YearRoundPldWD*LGSGAGD
Flag of the People's Republic of China.svg 2008 Did not qualify
Flag of the United Kingdom.svg 2012 Did not enter
Flag of Brazil.svg 2016
Flag of Japan.svg 2020
Flag of France.svg 2024
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

Africa Cup

YearRoundMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGFGA
Flag of South Africa.svg 2004 to Flag of Nigeria.svg 2006 Did not qualify
Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg 2008 to Flag of South Africa.svg 2010 Did not enter
Flag of Equatorial Guinea.svg 2012 Did not qualify
Flag of Namibia.svg 2014 to Flag of Ghana.svg 2018 Did not enter
Flag of Morocco.svg 2022 Did not qualify
Flag of Morocco.svg 2024 Did not enter

African Games

YearRoundMatchesWinsDrawsLossesGFGAGD
Flag of Algeria.svg 2007 Did not enter
Flag of Mozambique.svg 2011
Flag of the Republic of the Congo.svg 2015
Flag of Morocco.svg 2019
Flag of Ghana.svg 2023 Did not qualify

COSAFA Championship

YearRoundPldWD*LGSGAGD
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg 2002 Group stage
Flag of Zambia.svg 2006 Group stage
Flag of Angola.svg 2008 Did not enter
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg 2011 4th4112814−6
Flag of Zimbabwe.svg 2017 Group stage311112120
Flag of South Africa.svg 2018 Group stage310228−6
Flag of South Africa.svg 2019 Group stage3201163+13
Flag of South Africa.svg 2020 3rd2201126+6
Flag of South Africa.svg 2021 Runner up530297+2
Flag of South Africa.svg 2023 Winners5500196+13
*Draws include knockout matches decided on penalty kicks.

References

  1. "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Women's World Ranking". FIFA. 7 August 2025. Retrieved 7 August 2025.
  2. "Call them 'The Scorchers', not 'She-Flames'". Archived from the original on 27 October 2020.
  3. Diamond, Drew (17 October 2023). "COSAFA Cup: Malawi claim historic title with win over Zambia". Her Football Hub. Retrieved 17 October 2023.
  4. Diamond, Drew (19 October 2023). "COSAFA Champions Malawi to receive zero prize money". Her Football Hub. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  5. "Scorchers final squad for two friendly matches against South Africa". fam.mw. Football Association of Malawi. 1 April 2025. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
  6. Chirwa, Garry (17 February 2025). "Temwa in, Fazili names final squad". Nation Online. Retrieved 26 February 2025.
  7. Mabuka, Dennis (10 July 2025). "Malawi FA, National Bank unveils first-ever national women's league - Africa Top Sports" . Retrieved 8 August 2025.
  8. "She-polopolo massacre Malawi 7–0". 14 January 2012.
  9. "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.
  10. "She-Flames coaches' contracts expire - the Times Group Malawi". 24 January 2019. Archived from the original on 17 May 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  11. "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.
  12. "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.
  13. "She-Flames coaches fired - the Times Group Malawi". November 2019. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2020.
  14. "FA Malawi appoints Kazuwa, Nkolongo as women football coaches – Malawi Nyasa Times – News from Malawi about Malawi". 11 March 2020.
  15. "Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili has named a 24-member squad for a friendly match against Morocco in Casablanca next week". fam.mw. Football Association of Malawi. 5 June 2025. Retrieved 12 June 2025.