Chinzimu Celebrates Malawi's Historic Journey

Malawi midfielder Faith Chinzimu has called their qualification for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations one of the proudest moments in her young career. The 19-year-old is excited to represent the Scorchers on the world stage.

The Scorchers have made a big splash at the tournament. They shocked 10-time champions and current title holders Nigeria with a 3-2 win in their first match.

This victory gave the debutants confidence that they could stand up to Africa’s top teams. They believe they can still aim for a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Chinzimu scored two goals in just two minutes during the game against Angola in Lilongwe on October 28, 2025. This win secured Malawi’s first-ever place at the WAFCON.

“After that game I felt so much joy and pride. I thought about my family, my coaches, and all the people who supported me. Qualifying for WAFCON was a dream we worked so hard for as a team,” Chinzimu shared with CAF Online.

“In that moment I realised we had made history and that we were putting Malawi women’s football on the map. I was just grateful to God and to my teammates.”

Chinzimu has quickly become a key player in Malawi’s senior team. She has also learned from two of the nation’s biggest football stars, sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.

“Playing with both Tabitha and Temwa is a huge blessing. I’ve learnt so much about discipline, hard work, and believing in yourself,” she stated.

“They always tell me to stay focused, work hard in training, and never be afraid to take chances. They lead by example. They show us that if you come from Malawi, you can still reach the top. They push me to be better every day.”

Tabitha has found success in European football, winning the French league with Lyon and the French Cup with Paris Saint-Germain. Temwa has also made a name for herself in the United States, breaking the NWSL single-season scoring record with 20 goals for Kansas City Current and winning the Golden Boot and MVP awards.

Chinzimu hopes to follow in their footsteps and help raise Malawi’s profile on the global stage.

As the Scorchers make their first appearance at the WAFCON, Chinzimu believes their historic journey can inspire a new generation of Malawian footballers.