Scorchers set for heroes’ welcome

The Scorchers will return home to a heroes’ welcome after their historic run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with authorities planning a grand reception in Lilongwe.

The Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture, in collaboration with Lilongwe City Council, is preparing a programme that will include a military parade and other activities to celebrate the team’s achievement.

Speaking during a meeting in Lilongwe on Monday, the ministry’s public relations officer, Macmillan Mwale, said the Scorchers deserve a befitting welcome for putting Malawi on the continental football map.

Mwale said the team’s qualification for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil and their historic second-place finish at the Wafcon have brought pride to the country.

“They have managed to qualify for the Women’s World Cup set to take place in Brazil next year and managed to come second in the Wafcon, so they deserve to be welcomed properly,” he said.

The Scorchers are expected back in Malawi on Wednesday, with preparations for the reception being undertaken alongside their main sponsor, NBM, the Malawi Police Service, the Malawi Defence Force and other stakeholders.

Malawi’s historic campaign ended in disappointment on Sunday after the Scorchers suffered a 3-0 defeat to Cameroon in the final.

Despite the loss, the debutants won four of their six matches, losing only to Zambia in the group stage and Cameroon in the final.

The Scorchers announced their arrival on the continental stage with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Nigeria before making it two wins from two with a 3-1 victory over Egypt.

Zambia handed Malawi its first defeat, edging the Scorchers 2-1, but the result did not stop the team from progressing to the quarter-finals.

When the pressure increased, the Scorchers responded with a 2-1 victory over Ghana before edging Algeria in Wednesday’s semi-final to reach their first-ever Wafcon final.

Although Cameroon denied Malawi the title, the Scorchers return home as runners-up and with a historic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup secured.

Their silver-medal finish has sparked nationwide excitement and elevated Malawi’s women’s football profile.