By Tamara Chihana:
Malawi’s Scorchers may have missed out on the 2026 Womens Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title, but their historic run to the final has won praise from football fans in Rumphi.
The Scorchers reached their first ever WAFCON final before losing 3-0 to Cameroon, a feat fans believe has shown the growing potential of womens football in Malawi.
Football fan Moses Harawa described the achievement as a victory for the country, praising the players for their courage, determination and teamwork.
I am extremely happy and proud of the Scorchers performance. They have made history by reaching their first ever WAFCON final, which is a remarkable achievement for Malawi, Harawa said.
He added that the teams performance had made the nation proud and demonstrated the progress being made in womens football.
For Aaron Mnthali, another football fan, the defeat should not overshadow the teams historic achievement. He noted that the Scorchers had raised the standard of womens football and inspired young girls who dream of representing Malawi.
Rumphi District Football Association Chairperson Tobias Chapweteka Mwale acknowledged that Malawi struggled in the first half of the final, allowing Cameroon to score three goals without reply.
Mwale attributed part of the setback to delayed substitutions in midfield and the wide defensive positions, arguing that earlier changes could have helped Malawi respond to Cameroons pressure.
During the first half, the team was not at its best, which allowed Cameroon to score three goals while Malawi scored none. The delay in making changes in midfield and the side defence also affected the team, Mwale said.
The Scorchers, however, looked more organised after the break and produced a stronger defensive display, according to Mwale.
He called for increased investment in womens football at district level, including sponsorship to help identify and nurture talent that can strengthen the national team.
With the historic campaign now behind them, the fans have urged stakeholders to maintain the momentum by giving womens football continued support.
