By Mphatso Malidadi in Rabat, Morocco:
Malawi Women’s National Football Team’s quest for 2027 Fifa World Cup qualification faces another test in a date against Egypt’s Cleopatras in the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finals in Rabat, Morocco.
After shocking the football world with a 3-2 stunning of defending champions and 10- time record-winners Nigeria at Al Madina Stadium on Tuesday night, the Scorchers will take on the Cleopatras at Moulay Hassan Stadium this evening.
All eyes are on the Scorchers after they displayed a spirited performance to daze the star-studded Super Falcons.
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This will be the first ever meeting between the Scorchers and Cleopatras of Egypt who also are known as the Female Pharaohs.
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Egypt are at the bottom of the group following their 0-6 humiliating defeat at the hands of Group C leaders Zambia.
Despite the heavy defeat, Egypt coach Mohamed Kamal insisted that his team’s development was visible and vowed to maintain their hunger to grow.
Kamal admitted his side had been shocked and frustrated hence the need to bounce back quickly against the Scorchers.
Despite the defeat, Egypt remain favourites on paper as they are currently ranked 99th in the world while Malawi are ranked 153rd.
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Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili said they have refused to focus on what is happening in their opponents’ house.
“We are taking each game as it comes. We are done with the first game and now we are ready for the next assignment. We will still go with our mission. We have a target and everyone is looking towards our objective,” he said.
It appears Fazili will stick to the team that stunned Nigeria but might improve on formation.
United States-based striker Temwa Chawinga will be maintained as the goal poacher roaming around the box while her elder sister and captain Tabitha will be dropping to support the defence on the left flank.
Temwa’s return and eventual combination with Tabitha was one of the great factors that helped Malawi to unlock Nigeria.
She opened the scoring in the 73rd minute and netted Malawi’s third six minutes into added time.
Tabitha was equally lethal, doubling Malawi’s lead in the 80th minute.
Europe-based attackers Faith Chimzimu and Rose Kabzere are favourites to retain their places alongside youthful and lionhearted Leticia Chinyamula and defensive midfielder Madyina Nguluwe.
Goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, who produced an improved performance despite some moments of indecision and nervousness, will likely start while Ireen Khumalo, Rose Alufandika, Benadeta Mkandawire and Chimwemwe Madise are likely to cover her.
Two top teams will advance to the quarterfinals with semifinalists qualifying for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
Malawi are making their Wafcon finals debut. Before their departure, Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya announced a hike in the players’ allowances.
Haiya said they had quadrupled match-winning bonuses for the team to K2 million per player, up from K500,000 for every group stage victory at the tournament.
