Malawi Women’s Football Team coach Lovemore Fazili expects a tough encounter against the Mighty Warriors of Zimbabwe when the two sides meet at Bingu National Stadium in the CAF Olympic qualifiers on Friday.

Speaking to the media ahead of the match, Fazili said he is aware of the significant improvements Zimbabwe have made, including the appointment of Croatian coach Stella Gotal and the introduction of new players to the squad.

“So it’s going to be a tough game. We’re not underrating Zimbabwe. It’s one of the strongest teams when we talk about women’s football,” said Fazili.

However, Fazili is confident that Malawi have a strong enough squad to secure a positive result at home in the first leg.

“All we need is to perform well and win the game. First of all, we want the players to forget about the WAFCON. This is a totally different tournament, and they are aware of tomorrow’s game.

“We are going there, I think, to play, and probably at the end of the game, I think we need to win the game with a big margin of goals because this is a home and away match. So for tomorrow’s game, we wish the players to do well and score more goals, and when we go to Zimbabwe, I think we’ll be home and dry,” said Fazili.

Fazili on Gotal’s remarks

Asked whether he was intimidated by Zimbabwe coach Gotal’s declaration that she had travelled to Malawi to win, Fazili said he does not believe coaches play football.

“I don’t believe coaches play football. Coaches are just like us, and it’s players who are going to perform. So I have prepared my players, I think, to be strong mentally and physically. So, let’s see tomorrow what’s going to happen. I have a team that can perform,” he said.

The two sides last met in a friendly match in 2025, with Zimbabwe claiming a 2-1 victory.

They will now meet in a competitive fixture on Friday, with the return leg scheduled for October 13 in Harare.