Huge crowds of happy fans filled the streets of Malawi’s capital today to welcome home the senior women’s national football team, the Scorchers. The team returned from Morocco after a strong performance at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The players landed at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) in the afternoon. Government leaders and many fans wearing Malawi’s colours met them there. From the airport the team began a victory parade that ended at the Sunbird Capital Hotel.
At the front of the parade, Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili rode in an open-top car with several of the team’s top players. Goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, defender Lyna James and captain Tabitha Chawinga waved to the crowds. The players showed their silver medals while fans sang, danced and waved Malawian flags along the route.
This was the Scorchers’ first time playing at WAFCON. They surprised many by reaching the final. Malawi beat Nigeria 3–2, Egypt 3–1, Ghana 2–1 and Algeria 3–1 on their way to the final match. In the final on Sunday they lost 3–0 to Cameroon, finishing second.
By finishing as runners-up, the Scorchers qualified automatically for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. This is the first time any Malawian football team has qualified for a World Cup tournament.
President Peter Mutharika praised the players for their hard work and said their success shows Malawi can produce world-class players. Celebrations continued into the evening at the Sunbird Capital Hotel as the nation looks ahead to the World Cup next year.
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