From a group widely regarded as the toughest at the tournament, the Malawi National Women’s Football Team, the Scorchers, have defied expectations to return home as heroes following a historic campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The Scorchers were drawn in Group C alongside defending champions and 10-time champions Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt, with Malawi making their maiden appearance at the continental showpiece.

Despite being debutants, the Scorchers stunned the football world by defeating Nigeria 3-2 in their opening match before beating Egypt 3-1 to finish top of the group and qualify for the quarterfinals.

Their remarkable run continued in the knockout stages when they defeated Ghana 2-1 in a hard-fought quarterfinal, a result that not only sent Malawi into the semifinals but also secured the team qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Scorchers then produced another outstanding display in the semifinals, beating Algeria 3-1 through goals from Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga to book their place in the final.

Although Malawi eventually fell short against Cameroon, the Scorchers finished as runners-up on their maiden appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Coach Lovemore Fazili says the players have done exceptionally well and deserve a hero’s welcome after making the country proud.

“The girls have done exceptionally well. They have made the country proud, and I believe they deserve a very warm welcome when they return home. What they have achieved is something special, especially considering that this was our first appearance at the WAFCON.”

Fazili says the team’s achievement is a result of the players’ hard work, commitment and belief throughout the tournament.

The Scorchers are returning home tomorrow through Kamuzu International Airport, bringing with them a historic achievement that has captured the imagination of the nation.

They left Malawi as debutants hoping to compete at the tournament, but they are returning as WAFCON runners-up, World Cup qualifiers and one of the biggest success stories of the competition.

Sports commentator Henry Gome says it is only right that the Scorchers receive a warm welcome, describing their achievement as the biggest in Malawi’s football history.

“This is the biggest ever achievement in our football history as a country. I am talking about both men’s and women’s football. No team in Malawi has done what these girls have achieved.

Companies should come in and celebrate these girls because what they have done deserves to be recognised and celebrated,” he said.

However, there will be little time for the players to rest and celebrate their achievement, as their attention will soon turn to another major assignment.

The Scorchers have been drawn against Zimbabwe in the first round of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games qualifiers, with the campaign set to begin in October.

The draw was conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), with 35 teams from across the continent set to compete for two qualification places at the 2028 Olympic Games.