Malawi Women vs Zambia Women WAFCON Preview
Malawi and Zambia will be eyeing a place in the quarter-finals of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations when they square off in their final Group C fixture.
Both teams need some sort of result in Wednesday's clash and could be set to serve up an open contest.
Key Stats
- Malawi have scored in three of their last four matches in all competitions.
- Malawi have conceded in their last four matches in all competitions.
- Zambia have scored in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Zambia have conceded in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.
- Both teams have scored in five of their last seven meetings in all competitions.
Evenly Matched Rivals
Malawi and Zambia have picked up four wins each and two draws in their last 10 meetings. The most recent clash was a friendly in 2025, which ended in a 1-1 scoreline.
Malawi the Surprise Package
Malawi continued their impressive WAFCON campaign with a 3-1 victory over Egypt in their previous fixture. They shrugged off a red card to Rose Alufandika, with goals from Rose Kadzere, Faith Chinzimu and Temwa Chawinga earning them the win.
It has been a tournament debut to remember for Malawi, who have now won their two Group C matches, having kicked things off with a 3-2 victory over 10-time champions Nigeria. The Scorchers are now on the verge of reaching the quarter-finals and need only a draw in their final group fixture.
One impressive aspect of Malawi’s campaign is their attacking display, having scored three goals in each of their two matches so far. However, their defending remains unconvincing, with Lovemore Fazili's team failing to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches in all competitions.
Desperate Times for Zambia
Zambia head into this clash off the back of a 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in their previous fixture. They failed to capitalize on a first-half red card to the Super Falcons and could only muster two attempts on target throughout the contest.
Manager Nora Hauptle will be disappointed with the performance as Zambia failed to replicate the quality in the 6-0 victory over Egypt in their opening fixture. They will now head into Wednesday's clash needing a win to stand a chance of qualifying.
The victory over Egypt highlighted Zambia's attacking quality, and they have also scored in seven of their last 10 matches in all competitions. However, their defence needs some work, having failed to keep a clean sheet in eight of their last 10 fixtures in all competitions.
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Malawi (4-4-2): Mercy Sikelo; Benadetta Mkandawire, Tionge Phiri, Chimwemwe Madise, Ireen Khumalo; Rose Kadzere, Madyina Nguluwe, Leticia Chinyamula, Tabitha Chawinga; Faith Chinzimu, Temwa Chawinga.
Alufandika is suspended for Malawi following her red card last time out. Phiri could be drafted into the defence in her place while Chawinga and Chinzimu are set to continue in attack.
Zambia (4-2-3-1): Hazel Nali; Margaret Belemu, Mapalo Maluba, Lushomo Mweemba, Racheal Nachula; Rhoda Chileshe, Ireen Lungu; Eneless Phiri, Grace Chanda, Racheal Kundananji; Barbra Banda.
Zambia could make a few changes to the team, with Phiri likely to earn a start after coming off the bench last time out. Amluba and Mweemba should continue their partnership at centre-back while Banda is set to lead the line once again.