Malawi coach Fazili targets WAFCON final against Algeria

Malawi head coach Fazili insists his side is treating their upcoming WAFCON semifinal against Algeria with the same intensity as a final. The Scorchers aim to reach another milestone by securing a place in the championship match.

Following a successful group stage where they finished at the top of Group C, Malawi defeated Ghana 2-1 in the quarterfinals. This run has already seen the debutants reach the semifinals and secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Fazili stated that his squad has prepared for Algeria in the same manner as every other opponent in the tournament. He noted that because they have faced major African teams throughout the competition, no specific or unusual training was required, though the players have faced rigorous preparation.

The coach warned his players against complacency following their recent successes. He told the squad to avoid the mindset that their objectives have already been met, emphasizing that the team must remain focused on the significance of the upcoming fixture.

Malawi will face the North African side without key striker Sabinah Thom. Thom was stretchered off the pitch during a group stage match against Zambia due to a knee injury.

Despite the loss of Thom, Fazili expressed satisfaction with his squad depth. He confirmed that he travelled with 26 players to ensure the team remains prepared for any further injury concerns during the camp.