By Wendy Mkandawire
Following the tremendous performance of the Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, at WAFCON, the government has confirmed that preparations are underway to give the team a special welcome upon their return home.
The Scorchers are expected to arrive tomorrow, Wednesday from Morocco after finishing as runners-up in their debut WAFCON tournament.
Speaking during a meeting held in Lilongwe on Monday, August 17, Ministry of Sports spokesperson Macmillan Mwale said, the meeting was held to finalize arrangements for the team’s arrival.
Mwale said the Scorchers made history as debutants by finishing second and qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
He said finishing as runners-up and qualifying for the 2027 Brazil FIFA Women’s World Cup is a great achievement for Malawi, considering the team stepping into the tournament as debutants, thus creating remarkable history.
According to Mwale, the welcome will include a procession from Kamuzu Airport through the streets of Lilongwe.
The Malawi Police Service and the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) will provide security, with entertainment and performances lined up, including a display by the MDF band.
Sports stakeholders and international soccer pundits have also praised the team for their dedication and commitment, noting that their performance did not reflect that of debutants but of a team with regular qualification experience.
The second-place finish at WAFCON marks Malawi’s best performance at the tournament to date and secures the country’s first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
