4 new faces in Scorchers Olympic squad

By Llywellenie Mpasa:

Malawi Women’s National Football Team Coach Lovemore Fazili has included four new faces in the provisional squad to face Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors in the 2028 Olympic qualifiers next month.

The notable new faces in the squad are United States (US)-based midfielder Asante Khamula, Rumphi Sisters goalkeeper Jane Nyirenda and the Ascent Soccer Academy duo of Mayamiko Mkandawire and Talandira Chinyamvula.

MDF Lionesses defender Patricia Nyirenda has returned to the Scorchers squad after being on the sidelines for two consecutive years due to injury.

Nyirenda, who was part of the squad that won the Cosafa Championship in 2023, last played for the Scorchers during the semifinals in the 2-0 loss to Zambia in 2024.

However, Fazili has maintained the bulk of the historic squad that won silver at the 2026 Caf Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) finals in Morocco in March this year.

Captain Tabitha Chawinga and her sister Temwa, Rose Kabzere, Faith Chimzimu and Chimwemwe Madise have been included in the provisional squad for the qualifiers.

Morocco-based forward Sabina Thom has been ruled out due to injury.

Speaking after unveiling the squad at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe City Tuesday, Fazili said he selected the US-based midfielder after being impressed with her footage.

“We had several video clips for her and were impressed. The other local players have also performed well and deserve to be in the squad,” Fazili said.

The Scorchers will host Zimbabwe in the first-leg match at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on October 9 before travelling to Zimbabwe for the second-leg match four days later.

It will be the first home match for the Scorchers after finishing second at the Wafcon finals in Morocco.

Additionally, it will be the first match in one year after they hosted Angola in the Wafcon qualifiers in which they won 2-0.