The Malawi women’s national football team say they are ready to bounce back as they prepare to face India in the third-place playoff at the FIFA Series tournament in Kenya on Wednesday.
The Scorchers go into the match seeking a strong finish after a heavy semi-final defeat to Australia, while India also arrive looking for redemption following their loss to hosts Kenya. The encounter will determine who claims the bronze medal.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili said his side had addressed the issues that contributed to their earlier setback and were fully focused on securing victory.
“We are preparing well for the game against India. Whatever went wrong in our opening game against Australia has been rectified, and the players understand how important this game is. We are expected to get the win, and everyone is ready,” he said.
Malawi’s technical team has studied both their own performance and their opponents’ approach ahead of the fixture. Fazili highlighted India’s organisation and cohesion as key strengths.
“Tactically and technically, India are a team that plays as a unit. They were playing a 4-4-2 formation, pressing collectively. We have been preparing with that information in mind, and whatever approach we bring will be a positive one,” he said.
Malawi’s technical team has studied both their own performance and their opponents’ approach ahead of the fixture. Fazili highlighted India’s organisation and cohesion as key strengths.
“Tactically and technically, India are a team that plays as a unit. They were playing a 4-4-2 formation, pressing collectively. We have been preparing with that information in mind, and whatever approach we bring will be a positive one,” he said.
The coach indicated that adjustments would be made, not only in tactics but also in personnel, as the Scorchers look to improve their overall display.
“We will not only change the formation — we will also make changes to the lineup. The players were not poor in the first game, though some struggled. Now everyone is settled and we expect each player to give her best,” he added.
A potential change in goal could be among those alterations, with Esther Maulidi pushing for a starting role after a notable substitute appearance.
“We have to look at changing the goalkeeper. Esther came in after we took off Mercy and I think she did well. She gave us what we had been looking for and deserves another chance,” said Fazili.
The FIFA Series tournament forms part of Malawi’s broader preparations for upcoming continental competition, including the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which also serves as qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Despite the recent defeat, Fazili expressed confidence in the team’s overall development, pointing to encouraging signs in their performances and the anticipated return of key players.
“The picture the team is giving us is very positive. We only need to rectify a few areas. When we have Temwa and Tabitha back, we will definitely have a very strong team,” he said.
He added that the experience gained from international fixtures would stand the squad in good stead as they look ahead to future challenges.
