By Suleman Chitera

Malawi’s Second Vice President, Dr. Enock Kanzingeni Chihana, has called on Malawians at home and abroad to put aside their political, religious, tribal and other differences and unite behind the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, as they prepare for their historic WAFCON final against Cameroon.

Chihana, who is currently in Durban, South Africa, attending the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Summit, said the Scorchers’ remarkable run at the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has created a powerful sense of national unity.

In a message to the team and the nation ahead of the highly anticipated final, Chihana said football had brought Malawians together around a common cause, with the Scorchers becoming a symbol of national pride.

“Although we may differ in political affiliation, religion, tribe or colour, tonight those differences do not matter,” Chihana said.

He added that Malawi’s 22.8 million people were united by what he described as “one heartbeat” as the Scorchers prepare to make history on the continental stage.

The Second Vice President urged the players to enter the final with courage, determination and confidence, reminding them that they are carrying the hopes and dreams of millions of Malawians.

He challenged the players to give everything for the national colours, telling them to “play for the badge” and “play for the flag,” while invoking the popular patriotic expression, “tidzafera mbendera imeneyi.”

According to Chihana, more than 20 million Malawians will be standing firmly behind the Scorchers as they face Cameroon in a battle for the WAFCON crown.

He expressed strong confidence in the team’s ability to complete their extraordinary campaign by lifting the trophy.

“Chinthuchi tikutenga!” he declared, signalling his belief that the Scorchers can bring the continental championship home to Malawi.

Chihana also injected humour into his message as he encouraged Malawians to maintain the celebrations and national excitement surrounding the team.

“Mukumbutseni Bwede awambe ng’oma kumeneko, kulibe kugona lero!” he said.

The message comes as excitement continues to build across Malawi, with homes, workplaces, communities and social media platforms turning into centres of support for the national team.

The Scorchers’ journey to the final has already captured the imagination of the nation. Their historic performances have not only placed Malawi on the continental football map but have also demonstrated the growing strength, determination and competitiveness of women’s football in the country.

For many Malawians, the final represents more than a football match. It is an opportunity for the nation to celebrate the achievements of its women footballers and to rally behind a team that has inspired unprecedented national pride.

The players now face a formidable Cameroonian side with the ultimate prize within reach. Victory would give Malawi a landmark achievement in women’s football and provide a defining moment for the country on the African sporting stage.

As the nation counts down to the decisive encounter, Chihana’s message reinforces a growing call for unity: political and social differences can wait, but for the Scorchers, Malawi stands together.

From Lilongwe to Blantyre, Mzuzu to Zomba, and from Malawians across the diaspora, the message is clear—one nation, one team, one dream.

Go Scorchers! Tidzafera mbendera imeneyi! 🇲🇼⚽🔥

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