The Scorchers have been invited to a four-nation tournament in China early next year, where they would play China, Thailand and Albania as part of their build-up to Malawi’s first Women’s World Cup. FAM president Fleetwood Haiya confirmed that the Chinese Football Association sent the invitation, Nation Online reported.
The World Cup in Brazil runs from 24 June to 25 July 2027, so the trip would give the team three games against non-African opposition a few months before it starts.
Key facts
- Yongchuan International Four-Nation Tournament, China, early 2027
- Opponents: China, Thailand and Albania, in a round-robin
- Invitation from the Chinese Football Association
- Women’s World Cup, Brazil: 24 June to 25 July 2027
What FAM says
China has hosted the tournament since 1998. Haiya said FAM would keep the team busy with friendlies against overseas sides: “We are going to make sure that we arrange friendlies for the team ahead of the World Cup against overseas teams to make sure that we are ready.”
After the WAFCON final
The Scorchers reached the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, losing 3-0 to Cameroon. That run earned Malawi its first World Cup place.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga said the team needs strong opponents: “The World Cup is a big competition. We need to prepare well by playing against the best teams,” she told Nyasa Times. Soccer analyst George Chiusiwa told Nation the games are a chance to fix weaknesses in goalkeeping and midfield.
Follow the Scorchers’ squad, results and road to the World Cup.
