When the Scorchers walk onto the pitch against Nigeria tonight, they will not only be representing Malawi but also carrying the hopes of millions of football fans as they begin their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign.
The 26-member squad is a blend of experience and youthful talent drawn from clubs in Malawi, Africa, Europe and the United States. Leading the team is one of Africa’s most feared attacking partnerships—sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. Tabitha, who wears jersey number 11, plays for Olympique Lyonnais in France, while Temwa, wearing number 10, turns out for Kansas City Current in the United States.
In goal, the Scorchers have Mercy Sikelo of Civil Service Women, Yamikani Kawonga of MDF Lionesses and Esther Maulidi of Mighty Wanderers Queens, providing a mix of experience and youthful promise between the posts.
The defence features seasoned campaigner Chimwemwe Madise of TP Mazembe in DR Congo alongside Olivia Phikani, Tionge Phiri, Maggie Chavula, Ireen Khumalo, Rose Alufandika and Benadeta Mkandawire, giving Malawi a solid backline with both local and international experience.
In midfield, the Scorchers will rely on the creativity and energy of Rose Smith Kadzere of Montpellier in France, Vanessa Chikupila of Palm Hills Sports Club in Egypt, Tendai Grace Sani, Madyina Nguluwe, Leticia Chinyamula, Faith Chinzimu of BK Häcken in Sweden, Sarah Mulimbika, Chikondi Gondwe and Lyna James.
The attack is equally formidable, with Sabinah Thom, Deborah Henry, Chisomo Banda and Mercy Vitumbiko Mkandawire joining the Chawinga sisters to provide Malawi with pace, skill and goalscoring ability.
The squad also reflects the growing progress of women’s football in Malawi, with players representing domestic clubs including Silver Strikers Ladies, Civil Service Women, Kukoma Ntopwa Queens, Ascent Soccer Academy, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women and Mighty Wanderers Queens, while others ply their trade in France, Sweden, Egypt, DR Congo, Zambia, Morocco and the United States.
As the Scorchers prepare for one of their biggest tests against Nigeria tonight, Malawians will be hoping this talented group can write another memorable chapter in the country’s football history at WAFCON 2026.
