Malawi name three Zambia-based players in 32 provisional squad

Malawi has named three players plying their trade in Zambia in a 32-member provisional squad for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to be held in Morocco next month.

Midfielder Tendai Sani of ZISD, Green Buffaloes Women’s midfielder Sarah Mlimbika and Konkola Blades Queens forward Chisomo Banda have all earned places in coach Lovemore Fazili’s provisional squad as the Scorchers prepare for their maiden appearance at the continental showpiece.

The trio will be hoping to impress during the team’s training camp, which begins on Sunday at Mpira Village in Blantyre, as Malawi finalises preparations for the tournament.

Fazili has also recalled vice-captain and star striker Temwa Chawinga after she missed the team’s recent international assignments. The squad retains the core of players who have featured prominently for the Scorchers this year while also including promising Under-20 players Takondwa Chinyamvula and Fatima Lali.

According to the Football Association of Malawi, all foreign-based players are expected to report at the start of camp, except Faith Chinzimu, Asimenye Simwaka and Temwa Chawinga, who will join the squad later.

Malawi has been drawn in a challenging Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, regional rivals Zambia and Egypt.

The Scorchers will begin their historic WAFCON campaign against Nigeria on July 28 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat before taking on Egypt on August 1 at Moulay Hassan Stadium. They will conclude their group stage fixtures against neighbours Zambia on August 5 at Al Madina Stadium.

The top two teams from each group, together with the two best third-placed sides, will qualify for the quarter-finals.

The 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will run from July 26 to August 16 in Morocco, with Malawi making their first-ever appearance at the tournament.