Malawi Women’s National Football Team head coach Lovemore Fazili has promised that his side will rise to the occasion in Friday’s first leg of the 2028 Olympic Games qualifiers against Zimbabwe.
Speaking at a media briefing, Fazili admitted Zimbabwe are among the strongest teams on the continent but insisted the Scorchers are ready for a tough battle.
“Zimbabwe is one of the strongest teams, but we understand it’s going to be a tough game,” Fazili said. “We have told the players to forget about the WAFCON success. We want to win with a big margin and score more goals.
“Let’s see tomorrow what will happen. I have a team that will perform tomorrow. We just need to play very well,” he said.
Fazili said playing at home, even with the pressure, should turn into a positive factor. “I have alerted the players that pressure is going to be there for them, but besides that we have to play a good game which will make supporters happy,” he said.
Player representative Pateicia Nyirenda urged fans to fill the stadium, stressing that the match is a must-win since Malawi are playing at home.
On the other side, Zimbabwe head coach Stella Gotal said her team is ready to compete on a good pitch in Lilongwe, adding that no one wants to lose. She congratulated the Scorchers for their WAFCON milestone in Morocco but admitted it will be a tough encounter.
“The match will be totally different from what they have been playing. In terms of Malawi’s squad, it is not going to be easy, I know. It’s a good opportunity for the players to be brave and show what they can do, since they are playing against the Chawinga sisters who play abroad and have their stories all over,” she said.
Mighty Warriors captain Emmaculate Msipa said she will lead her team with positivity and confidence, while respecting the opponents. “Our focus is on ourselves, to give the best for the team and make the nation proud,” she said.
The return leg is scheduled for October 13 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
Speaking at a media briefing, Fazili admitted Zimbabwe are among the strongest teams on the continent but insisted the Scorchers are ready for a tough battle.
“Zimbabwe is one of the strongest teams, but we understand it’s going to be a tough game,” Fazili said. “We have told the players to forget about the WAFCON success. We want to win with a big margin and score more goals.
“Let’s see tomorrow what will happen. I have a team that will perform tomorrow. We just need to play very well,” he said.
Fazili said playing at home, even with the pressure, should turn into a positive factor. “I have alerted the players that pressure is going to be there for them, but besides that we have to play a good game which will make supporters happy,” he said.
Player representative Pateicia Nyirenda urged fans to fill the stadium, stressing that the match is a must-win since Malawi are playing at home.
On the other side, Zimbabwe head coach Stella Gotal said her team is ready to compete on a good pitch in Lilongwe, adding that no one wants to lose. She congratulated the Scorchers for their WAFCON milestone in Morocco but admitted it will be a tough encounter.
“The match will be totally different from what they have been playing. In terms of Malawi’s squad, it is not going to be easy, I know. It’s a good opportunity for the players to be brave and show what they can do, since they are playing against the Chawinga sisters who play abroad and have their stories all over,” she said.
Mighty Warriors captain Emmaculate Msipa said she will lead her team with positivity and confidence, while respecting the opponents. “Our focus is on ourselves, to give the best for the team and make the nation proud,” she said.
The return leg is scheduled for October 13 in Harare, Zimbabwe.
