Malawi’s national women’s football team, the Scorchers, endured a difficult outing at the 2026 FIFA Women’s Series in Nairobi, Kenya, finishing bottom of the four-nation tournament following a 3-2 loss to India in the third-place playoff.
In a tightly contested encounter broadcast on TV 47 Kenya, the Scorchers showed resilience by coming from behind twice, but a late strike from India ultimately sealed Malawi’s fate and denied them a consolation victory.
Despite facing a side ranked 86 places above them in the FIFA Women’s Rankings, Malawi demonstrated fighting spirit throughout the match. Defender Ireen Khumalo opened the scoring for the Scorchers, while substitute striker Deborah Henry added the second, keeping hopes alive on both occasions.
However, India proved clinical in front of goal. Astam Oraon found the net, while standout performer Aveka Singh delivered a brace, including the decisive late goal that broke Malawian hearts.
The defeat caps off a challenging tournament for the Scorchers, who conceded eight goals and managed just two in their two matches—highlighting defensive vulnerabilities and limited attacking efficiency.
The tournament was part of Malawi’s preparations for their historic debut at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals scheduled for July in Morocco. While the results may raise concerns, the exposure against higher-ranked opposition offers valuable lessons ahead of the continental showpiece.
As the Scorchers regroup, attention now shifts to strengthening their squad, tightening their defense, and sharpening their attack as they aim to make a meaningful impact in Morocco
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