Ahead of the match, Malawi national women’s football team coach Lovemore Fazili told the press that his side was not in Morocco to win, but rather to develop the team. “We are not here to beat Morocco but to develop our team as we prepare for the Angola game in October,” he said.
True to his word, the Scorchers of Malawi gave away a two-goal lead to eventually lose 4-2 to their North African opponents in an international friendly match held at Kenitra Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Malawi were two goals up by the 35th minute thanks to strikes from captain Tabitha Chawinga and Rose Kamdzere, but failed to hold onto their advantage. The hosts mounted a comeback through goals from Sakina Ouzraoui, Ibtissam Jradi, Kenza Chapelle, and an own goal by Bernadette Mkandawire.
Despite the loss, Fazili expressed satisfaction with his team’s first-half performance.
“The good thing is that we had chances to score, but we missed them. We could have forced a 4-4 draw, but we missed our chances. It was a fair game, with many positives from this match. When we go back home, we will polish our mistakes. Also, I should thank Captain Chawinga for showing leadership and quality,” he said.
This was Malawi’s fifth international friendly match this year, following two matches against Zambia in February and another two against South Africa in April.
The team is currently preparing for their final 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying tie against Angola, scheduled for October.
READ MORE: Five unsung Copper Queens’ players to watch at the 2024 Women’s AFCON
