Fazili wants 10 friendlies against top nations ahead of World Cup

The head coach of Malawi’s Women’s National Football Team has issued a bold demand to the country’s football chiefs – arrange at least 10 international friendly matches against highly-ranked sides before the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup.

Lovemore Fazili made the call today, urging the Football Association of Malawi (FAM) to step up preparations for the tournament, as the Scorchers were honoured at a special luncheon hosted by First Lady Gertrude Mutharika at Kamuzu Palace in Lilongwe.

‘The friendlies we had mostly when preparing for Wafcon were against neighbouring countries. For the World Cup preparations, we need to play top teams outside the continent,’ Fazili said.

His comments come just days after the Scorchers’ remarkable run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations came to an end in heartbreaking fashion, with the side falling 3-0 to Cameroon in Sunday’s final in Morocco.

Despite the defeat, the runners-up finish secured Malawi’s maiden qualification for the Women’s World Cup – a historic milestone for the nation, and one that will see the Scorchers take on the world’s best when the tournament kicks off in Brazil from June 24 to July 25, 2027.

Speaking at the palace luncheon, First Lady Mutharika pledged her continued support for the Scorchers as they gear up for the biggest challenge in the team’s history.

Attention will now turn to FAM, with fans and pundits alike watching closely to see whether the association can deliver on Fazili’s demand for tougher, higher-calibre opposition ahead of Malawi’s World Cup debut.