No Kadzere but Fazili insists Malawi has ‘fearless and fired-up’ side capable of defeating Cameroon

Malawi’s head coach has declared his side “fearless and fired-up” ahead of Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Cameroon, despite confirming that key player Rose Kadzere will be suspended for the biggest match in the Scorchers’ history after picking up a red card.

Lovemore Fazili, who has guided the team to a historic first appearance in a continental final, insisted he has sufficient alternative firepower to cover for Kadzere’s absence, and struck a defiant tone when asked whether her suspension would blunt Malawi’s attacking threat.

Speaking after his side’s semi-final triumph, Fazili said morale within the camp had never been higher, describing a dressing room “buzzing with belief” as the players prepare to complete their remarkable journey to the trophy.

The coach was quick to credit his squad’s discipline, cohesion and resilience for the run to the final, insisting Malawi’s success on the continental stage was the product of careful preparation rather than fortune.

He revealed that his coaching staff had spent time studying Cameroon in detail, and said the Scorchers were readying themselves for what promises to be a fast, physically demanding contest against one of the tournament’s traditional powers.

Fazili was adamant that his side would not be overawed by Cameroon’s pedigree, pointing to Malawi’s run through the tournament as evidence that his players were capable of matching — and beating — some of the continent’s most established footballing nations.

The coach also paid tribute to the wave of support back home, describing the backing from Malawian fans as “unbelievable” and crediting it with spurring his players on through the tournament.

With football fever gripping the nation ahead of kick-off, Fazili said his side’s ambitions extended beyond simply reaching the final, declaring that the Scorchers were determined to “make history twice” — first by reaching the showpiece match, and now by winning it outright.