The Youth Decide Campaign (YDC) has called for increased investment in sport, education and youth development following the Malawi Women’s National Football Team’s historic run to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, YDC National Coordinator Mwandida Theu said the Scorchers’ achievement has demonstrated what young Malawians, particularly girls, can accomplish when given opportunities and support.

Theu said the team’s success should go beyond celebration and serve as a catalyst for action to create opportunities for more young people to develop their talents.

“The Scorchers have rewritten what is possible for young Malawians, and especially young Malawian women,” the statement says.

YDC has called on government, schools and communities to invest in sport, education and youth development, while treating women’s sport as a national priority.

The organisation has also urged the private sector to provide sustained investment and sponsorship for women’s sport and called on Malawians to establish systems that can identify and nurture young talent.

According to YDC, the Scorchers’ success has provided a powerful example of what is possible when young women are given opportunities to compete and lead.

The organisation says the team’s greatest legacy could ultimately be the thousands of girls who are now inspired to believe that their dreams are achievable.