Malawi have announced a 32-player provisional squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), with star sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga leading the Scorchers ahead of their tournament debut, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Head coach Lovemore Fazili has recalled vice-captain Temwa Chawinga after she missed the team's recent matches, while captain Tabitha Chawinga also headlines the squad as Malawi prepare for their maiden appearance at the continental showpiece.
The provisional list also includes two promising Under-20 players, Takondwa Chinyamvula and Fatima Lali, underlining the coach's desire to blend youth with experience as the Scorchers aim to make a positive impression in Morocco.
Malawi will commence preparations on Sunday at the Mpira Village in Blantyre, with the majority of the foreign-based players expected to report at the start of camp.
However, Faith Chinzimu, Asimenye Simwaka and Temwa Chawinga have been granted extra time and will link up with the squad later during the training programme.
The Scorchers face a daunting challenge after being drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, regional rivals Zambia and former African champions Egypt.
Fazili's side will begin their WAFCON campaign against the Super Falcons at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday, July 28, before taking on Zambia and Egypt in the remaining group fixtures.
The inclusion of the Chawinga sisters is expected to provide Malawi with a significant attacking threat, particularly Tabitha, who has established herself as one of Africa's finest footballers through her performances in European football, while Temwa has also enjoyed an outstanding rise with club and country.
Malawi's 32-player provisional squad
Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo (Civil Service Women), Yamikani Kaonga (MDF Lioness), Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Thoko Mwase (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women).
Defenders: Doreen Dickson (MDF Lioness), Tionge Phiri (Silver Strikers Ladies), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Talandira Chinyamvula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Benadetta Mkandawire (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe).
Midfielders: Funny Magombo (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Rose Smith Kabzere (Montpellier HSC Féminines), Faith Chinzimu (BK Häcken), Chikondi Gondwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Madyina Nguluwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Tendai Sani (ZISD), Vanessa Chipikula (Palm Hills Sports Club), Lyna James (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Sarah Mlimbika (Green Buffaloes Women), Vitumbiko Mercy Mkandawire (Civil Service Women), Asimenye Simwaka (MDF Lioness).
Forwards: Sabina Thom (Phoenix Academy Marrakesh), Deborah Henry (Silver Strikers Ladies), Chisomo Banda (Konkola Blades Queens FC), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current), Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais), Mary Chavinda (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Fatima Lali (Ascent Soccer Academy).