President Peter Mutharika says the Scorchers’ unity and teamwork offer a lesson for Malawi’s political leaders, as the team prepares to face Cameroon in the Wafcon final.

NEWS |WAFCON 2026 | Football & Politics | By The Forum

There are lessons to be learned from the success of Malawi’s national women’s football team, which has reached the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), President Peter Mutharika said on the eve of the final against Cameroon.

Mutharika said teamwork and a shared sense of purpose had contributed to the Scorchers’ success, noting that the team had united Malawians behind a common cause as the country hopes to see the trophy come home.

The president, speaking on Saturday after returning from a private visit to South Africa, contrasted the unity displayed by the Scorchers with what he described as the failure of politicians from different persuasions to work together to develop the country.

Vice-President Jane Ansah also joined Mutharika in offering the Scorchers moral support.

“Go into the final with the same confidence and fighting spirit. We believe in you, we stand by you, and we are praying for you,” Ansah said.

First Lady Gertrude Mutharika congratulated the Scorchers on reaching the final, describing their achievement as historic.

She noted that Malawi had become the first debutant nation to reach the final of the continental tournament.

The Scorchers secured their place in the final after beating Algeria in the semi-final, becoming the first team on its Wafcon debut to reach the tournament’s final.

“Now, only 90 minutes separate us from claiming the ultimate prize in African women’s football,” the First Lady said. “Once again, congratulations, girls! Let’s bring the trophy home, your number one fan awaits!”

Opposition UTM president Dalitso Kabambe is also reported to have travelled to Morocco to join Malawians in supporting the Scorchers.

Kabambe praised the team for its remarkable run, from overcoming strong opponents to reaching the Wafcon final, saying its determination and belief had inspired the nation.

The Scorchers now face Cameroon in the final, with the country hoping their historic campaign will end with Malawi lifting its first major continental women’s football title.

—

Also Read: Scorchers shred the script — next, Corporate Malawi must step up