By Burnett Munthali
Malawi’s Scorchers are approaching Saturday’s 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Cameroon with confidence rather than anxiety, as they prepare for a historic battle for their first continental title.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga said the team has remained calm and focused in camp ahead of the final, with players drawing motivation from their remarkable run through the tournament.
“We are being driven by the might of the Almighty God and, as such, we have no reason to be under pressure. The morale in camp is high and the mood is good,” Chawinga said.
She said the players’ determination was evident during training and that the team was eager to seize the opportunity to make history.
Malawi entered the tournament as underdogs but has overturned expectations to reach the final in its first appearance at the continental championship.
Chawinga said that status has helped reduce the pressure on the team, arguing that Cameroon should carry greater expectations given its experience and record in the competition.
“If anything, the pressure should be on Cameroon because they are the favourites going by their record. From day one, we have been the underdogs and we are OK with that,” she said.
The Scorchers have enjoyed an impressive campaign, defeating 10-time champions Nigeria 3-2 in the group stage before overcoming Egypt 3-1, Ghana 2-1 in the quarter-finals and Algeria 3-1 in the semi-finals.
Their only defeat came against regional rivals Zambia, who beat Malawi 2-1 during the group stage.
Sweden-based attacker Faith Chimzimu said the team’s appetite for success has grown with every match.
“The girls are all determined. The good thing is that the more games we play, the more hungry we become. We have been treating each game as a final and this one is no different,” Chimzimu said, according to SPM Sports.
She said qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup had already given the team an important achievement, but the players were determined to finish the tournament with the championship trophy.
“We are encouraging each other and pushing each other. We are through to the World Cup and we have one more mission — to win the title,” she said.
The Scorchers are nevertheless aware of the challenge posed by Cameroon, who have considerably more experience at this level.
The Indomitable Lionesses progressed through the group stage with victories over Mali and Ghana before drawing with Cape Verde. They subsequently defeated defending champions Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals and overcame hosts Morocco on penalties after a goalless draw through regulation and extra time.
Cameroon, ranked 71st in the FIFA women’s world rankings, have appeared at all 13 previous WAFCON tournaments and are preparing for their fourth final.
The team has also competed at two FIFA Women’s World Cups, in 2015 and 2019.
Malawi, by contrast, are appearing at the WAFCON finals for the first time and have transformed their debut campaign into a historic run to the championship match.
With the continental title now within reach, the Scorchers say they intend to embrace the occasion rather than be overwhelmed by it.
“We will raise the tempo and engage an extra gear because this will be another tough match,” Chawinga said.
The final in Rabat offers Malawi an opportunity to complete one of the most remarkable underdog stories in African women’s football by defeating an experienced Cameroon side and lifting the WAFCON trophy on debut.
