Scorchers out to end Copper Queens’ dominance

The Malawi senior women’s national football team, the Scorchers, are determined to break Zambia’s dominance when they face the Copper Queens in two friendly matches in Lusaka over the next four days.

The first match is set for Saturday, February 22, while the second will be played on Tuesday.

Speaking at a media conference on Friday, team captain Tabitha Chawinga said the trip to Lusaka is an opportunity to prove that a full-strength Malawi squad can compete on equal footing with the WAFCON bronze medalists.

“We have prepared thoroughly for tomorrow’s match, and I am confident we will perform well,” Chawinga said.

Reflecting on their previous encounter, she added: “Although we lost 2-0 to Zambia in last year’s COSAFA tournament, that defeat came against a young, amateur squad. Most of those players are now part of our team.

“Our main goal is to build a team that can be a dominant force in Africa as we head into the AFCON qualifiers and aim for the finals. But we are also eager to overcome Zambia, who have beaten us several times. I expect a match that will go down in the history of African women’s football.”

Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili echoed Chawinga’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s preparation.

“We have geared up for this battle and even trained in Zambia to test different combinations of local and foreign-based players. We are approaching the game aggressively because a win will boost our morale ahead of major upcoming assignments.

“I also want to thank the FA for allowing our foreign-based players to join us for these friendlies. Their presence has been a real morale booster,” Fazili said.