By Rahim Abdul
Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili says Malawi can take pride in reaching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final and securing qualification for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Despite Malawi’s 3-0 defeat to Cameroon in the WAFCON final at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Morocco on Sunday, Fazili says the result will not stop the team from building a stronger side.
Fazili believes the match was decided in the first half after the Scorchers conceded three goals, while Cameroon also managed to limit Malawi’s attacking threat.
According to the coach, the opposition’s defensive organisation made it difficult for Malawi’s forwards to create clear opportunities and influence the game as they had done in previous matches.
However, Fazili says the defeat should not overshadow what the Scorchers have achieved in Morocco.
The coach says reaching the WAFCON final for the first time represents a major milestone for Malawi’s women’s football.
He has also highlighted the team’s qualification for the Women’s World Cup as another significant achievement that demonstrates the progress being made by the Scorchers.
Fazili says the tournament has shown that his players have the ability to compete at the highest level on the continent.
The coach has therefore vowed to continue working on the team’s weaknesses, particularly in defence and attack, as Malawi prepares for future international competitions.
He says the players have demonstrated that they possess the talent and determination needed to achieve greater success.
The Scorchers’ historic run in Morocco has also given Malawi a place among Africa’s leading women’s football teams, despite the disappointment of losing the final.
Fazili believes the experience gained from the tournament will be important as the team looks ahead to the Women’s World Cup in Brazil next year.
