The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili has warned his players against complacency ahead of Saturday’s crucial TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Group C encounter against Egypt, insisting Malawi remains focused on securing a place in the quarter-finals.
The Scorchers head into the match full of confidence after stunning 10-time African champions Nigeria 3-2 in their tournament opener, a result that sent shockwaves across African football and revived Malawi’s hopes of progressing beyond the group stage on their WAFCON debut.
However, Fazili said the victory over Nigeria counts for little if his side fails to build on it against Egypt.
The coach said his squad has completed its preparations and is mentally, physically and tactically ready for the encounter.
“I have to assure Malawians that this is a totally different game. A difficult game for that matter because we are not yet qualified for the quarter-finals. This game is very important because we have a big task.
“All players are okay. Players have prepared very well physically and mentally. We have almost touched all technical issues so that tomorrow we can come out victorious,” said Fazili.
While three points remain the primary objective, Fazili revealed that Malawi will also be chasing goals as the race for qualification could eventually be decided by goal difference.
Egypt enter the fixture desperate to revive their campaign after suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat to Zambia in their opening match, but Fazili dismissed suggestions that Malawi could underestimate their opponents.
“We want to win and maybe score more goals. Three points are important, but we also have to score more goals so that we can improve our position depending on what happens in the other games.
“There is no comfort zone. The players know what is going to happen tomorrow. We have managed them well and they are very serious about bringing another huge setback to Egypt,” he said.
Following the famous victory over Nigeria, Malawi has suddenly become one of the tournament’s most talked-about teams, with opponents now paying close attention to the Scorchers’ style of play.
Fazili acknowledged the increased attention but said his team remains focused on its own objectives.
The Scorchers are making their maiden appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having qualified for the continental showpiece for the first time.
After their historic victory over Nigeria, Malawi now stands on the brink of another milestone, with a win over Egypt enough to secure a place in the quarter-finals before their final Group C match against Zambia on 5th August.
