Malawi have announced their provisional squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), where they are set to face Nigeria’s Super Falcons in the tournament.
The Scorchers’ camp will begin with locally based players, while foreign-based stars are expected to join at the start of the official FIFA release period on Monday, 20 July 2026.
However, three overseas-based players — Faith Chinzimu, Asimenye Simwaka, and captain Temwa Chawinga — have been granted permission to report later than the rest of the squad.
Malawi’s Provisional Squad for WAFCON 2026
Goalkeepers:
Mercy Sikelo, Yamikani Kaonga, Esther Maulidi, Thoko Mwase.
Defenders:
Doreen Dickson, Tionge Phiri, Rose Alufandika, Talandira Chinyamvula, Maggie Chavula, Benadetta Mkandawire, Ireen Khumalo, Olivia Phikani, Chimwemwe Madise.
Midfielders:
Funny Magombo, Letticia Chinyamula, Rose Smith Kabzere, Faith Chinzimu, Chikondi Gondwe, Madyina Nguluwe, Tendai Sani, Vanessa Chipikula, Lyna James, Sarah Mlimbika, Vitumbiko Mkandawire, Asimenye Simwaka.
Forwards:
Sabina Thom, Deborah Henry, Chisomo Banda, Temwa Chawinga, Tabitha Chawinga, Mary Chavinda, Fatima Lali.
Malawi will be aiming to build on their recent progress on the continental stage as they prepare for another appearance at WAFCON, where they face one of Africa’s most successful teams in Nigeria.
Samuel Ahmadu is a distinguished multimedia journalist and women's football expert with over 15 years of experience in the industry. On the back of domestic engagement since 2008, he began his international career journey at Goal.com in February 2014, where he served as an African women's football correspondent for nearly eight years. During his tenure at Goal.com, Samuel covered major events such as three Women's Africa Cup of Nations (2016, 2018, 2022) and the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada plus 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. His work at Goal.com earned him widespread acclaim, particularly for his in-depth profiles of African football stars, notably Asisat Oshoala, whose rise he documented from her early years to her breakthrough at the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup in 2014. Prior to his role at Goal.com, Samuel freelanced for various print and broadcast media outlets in Nigeria, including Graphics Newspaper, Radio Nigeria, Grace FM, and Savid Newspaper. His extensive experience and expertise led to his appointment to the Nigeria Football Federation's Standing Committee on Women's Football Development from 2016 to 2018. Since February 2018, Samuel has been the Social Media Manager for Nigeria's women's national teams.In 2019, Samuel joined the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as a women's football content contributor and was promoted to Women's Football Editor in 2021. His contributions to women's football continued as he worked as a Media Consultant for Content Creation and Editorials at the 2022 CAF Women's Champions League. Currently, Samuel also serves as the spokesman for the Nigeria Women Football League, further solidifying his influence and dedication to the growth of women's football in Africa.
