WAFCON 2026 final: Fazili says Malawi are ready for Cameroon

Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili says his team are ready to face Cameroon in the WAFCON 2026 final on August 16, with the Scorchers targeting their first continental title. Cameroon sit top of the table with seven points from three matches, while Malawi are third on six points.

Fazili has rejected any suggestion that Malawi will be intimidated by Cameroon’s reputation or underestimate the challenge. He believes his players have the quality, discipline and mentality needed to compete for the trophy, and said the final should be approached as a contest between two strong teams.

The Malawi coach also described reaching the final as an extraordinary achievement in his coaching career. However, he does not see qualification for the showpiece as the end of the team’s mission. Malawi’s objective, he said, is to win the cup and give African football a strong indication of their progress.

Fazili has been encouraged by the balance in his squad, which combines young players with more experienced members. He said the group’s commitment and effort had carried Malawi to the final, and expects the same level of dedication when they meet Cameroon.

The teams arrive with contrasting recent records. Cameroon have won three of their last five matches, including victories over Benin and Morocco and a 1-0 win against Nigeria, while their other two games ended in defeats to Nigeria. Malawi’s last five matches have produced one draw and four losses, including a 0-4 defeat by Ghana, a 1-2 loss to Morocco and a 0-0 draw with Tanzania.

Despite that form, Fazili remains confident that Malawi can deliver in their first WAFCON final. He has called on the team to fight for the championship rather than settle for the achievement of reaching the decisive match.