Malawi Women’s Football Team coach Lovemore Fazili had hoped to guide his side to the final of this year’s COSAFA Women’s Championship, but it was not to be.

The Scorchers finished second in Group A behind hosts South Africa and failed to reach the semifinals, not even qualifying as one of the best losers.

Zambia and Zimbabwe booked their spots in the semifinals with seven points each. Zimbabwe, who finished second in Pool B, qualified as the second-placed finishers.

Pool C, comprising Namibia, Madagascar and Mozambique, will produce one team to qualify for the semifinals after tomorrow’s matches. Madagascar currently leads the group with three points.

Ahead of this year’s COSAFA Cup, Fazili had hinted that he wanted his team to reach the final and possibly win the tournament.

However, his side started poorly, losing 2-0 to South Africa in the opening match before thrashing Lesotho 8-1 and edging Angola 1-0 today.

Fazili shifts focus to WAFCON

Despite the elimination, Fazili said he was pleased with his players’ performance in the final match, describing it as difficult but well-managed.

Fazili admitted it was not their plan to exit at this stage, as the target had been to reach the final.

“It’s painful that we have been eliminated. The game was good; we played much better than in other games. I’m proud of my players, and I’m looking forward, as our target is now WAFCON.

“It was not easy facing South Africa and Angola; we have learnt a lot from these matches. I am happy how my players adjusted. I am happy with how our players played at the back. Angola and South Africa are big sides; it has helped us,” said Fazili.

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