By Suleman Chitera

Malawi’s First Lady, Madame Gertrude Mutharika, has congratulated the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, after their historic qualification for the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The First Lady described the Scorchers’ remarkable achievement as a historic moment for Malawi and African women’s football after the team defeated Algeria 3-1 in the semi-final to book their place in the continental showpiece.

Mutharika said the victory was about more than simply reaching the final, describing it as a breakthrough achievement for Malawi as the Scorchers became the first debutant nation to reach the final of the prestigious tournament.

“This is about making history as the first debutant nation to reach the final,” Mutharika said, celebrating the team’s achievement.

She said the Scorchers are now just 90 minutes away from potentially claiming the biggest prize in African women’s football, urging the players to remain focused as they prepare for the decisive encounter.

“Congratulations, girls! Let’s bring the trophy home, your number one fan awaits,” she said.

The Scorchers produced a determined performance against Algeria to secure the 3-1 victory, overcoming their opponents and sending Malawi into its first-ever WAFCON final.

The achievement represents a major milestone for women’s football in Malawi and caps an impressive campaign for the Scorchers, who have captured the attention of supporters at home and across the continent.

Their progression to the final also guarantees Malawi a place among the leading teams in African women’s football, regardless of the outcome of the championship match.

The team will now turn its attention to the final, where it will have an opportunity to complete its remarkable campaign by lifting the WAFCON trophy.

For Malawians, the final represents more than a football match. It is an opportunity for the Scorchers to make further history and potentially bring home the country’s first major continental women’s football title.

With the First Lady among those rallying behind the team, anticipation is expected to grow across Malawi as the nation prepares to support the Scorchers in their bid for continental glory.

The message from Mutharika adds to the growing national excitement surrounding a team that has already surpassed expectations and placed Malawi firmly in the spotlight of African women’s football.

The Scorchers are now 90 minutes away from history — and Malawi is dreaming of the trophy.