The Malawi National Women’s Football Team, the Scorchers, have hailed their sponsors National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc and the nation at large for playing a crucial role in their historic qualification for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finals.
The Scorchers secured their spot after defeating Angola 2–0 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe on Tuesday, thanks to a late brace from Faith Chimzimu in the 80th and 81st minutes. The win followed a goalless draw in the first leg in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking after the match, head coach Lovemore Fazili commended the team’s resilience and unity, acknowledging the vital role played by Malawians and the team’s official sponsors, NBM plc.
“Thank you to all Malawians for supporting us. It is not very easy; Angola was a very tough team,” he said. “We would also like to thank our sponsors, National Bank of Malawi plc, for their generous support. They have helped us improve women’s football in Malawi through their sponsorship of the women’s league, which has contributed greatly to the growth and performance of the national team.”
Team captain Tabitha Chawinga said the victory was a collective national triumph. “This game was so tough, but we fought until the end and won 2–0. We are supposed to be happy, and I believe this happiness is not just for us players, but for the whole country,” she said. “I want to thank our coach for his great guidance and our sponsor, NBM plc, for their support. This victory is also for them.”
NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, described the qualification as a proud moment for both the nation and the Bank’s partnership with the Scorchers.
“We are extremely happy to be part of this historic moment, the first time our women’s football team, the Scorchers, has qualified for the finals in any sport,” she said. “We are already seeing the fruits of our investment, and this qualification is a testament to that.”
Hiwa reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to empowering women through sport. “As the team heads to Morocco, we have every confidence that they will make Malawi proud. As the Bank of the Nation, we are proud to be driving growth in women’s football and supporting our own customers on this incredible journey,” she said.
NBM plc recently announced a K1.58 billion sports sponsorship package, which includes support for the Scorchers, the national women’s football league, and initiatives for coaches’ development. The investment is aimed at elevating women’s football and creating lasting opportunities for female athletes in Malawi.
