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By Burnett Munthali

The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, popularly known as the Scorchers, has secured a place in the second round of the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) qualifiers without playing a single match. This unexpected development follows the withdrawal of Congo Brazzaville from the qualifiers due to a lack of competitive preparation.

Initially, the Scorchers were set to face Congo Brazzaville in a two-legged tie, with the first leg scheduled for February 20 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe and the return fixture five days later. However, with their opponents pulling out of the competition, Malawi automatically progresses to the next stage of the qualifiers.

The Scorchers will now wait to face the winner between Zimbabwe and Angola in the second round, which will determine whether they qualify for the final tournament. This development gives Malawi a direct passage but also raises concerns about the team’s readiness for tougher opposition ahead.

In response to the situation, the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) has announced that the team will proceed with its camping program as originally planned. The association is actively seeking a friendly match during the FIFA International Window to ensure that the Scorchers remain match-fit and adequately prepared for the next round.

The automatic qualification to the second round is both a relief and a challenge for the Scorchers. While it spares them the test against Congo Brazzaville, it also denies them competitive match experience ahead of what promises to be a tougher battle in the next stage.

With Wafcon serving as a crucial pathway for teams to showcase their talent on the continental stage, the Scorchers will need to make the most of their preparations. Head coach Lovemore Fazili and his technical team will be keen on organizing high-quality friendlies to sharpen the squad ahead of their crucial second-round fixture.

As the team awaits its next opponent, Malawian football fans remain hopeful that the Scorchers will carry their momentum forward and secure a place in the 2025 Wafcon tournament, continuing their rise in African women’s football.