Malawi National Women’s Football team coach Lovemore Fazili says his squad has not relaxed ahead of their 2026 Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semifinal game against Algeria at the Stade Olympique de Rabat in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday.
Fazili said the players had been reminded to remove the mindset that they are “home and dry” after the Scorchers defeated Ghana 2-1 in their previous match, having come from behind.
“Players are not relaxing, they have not gone to honeymoon. They are still thinking about tomorrow’s game and they are well prepared to give the nation another victory,” Fazili said.
The gaffer added that the team has prepared without special arrangements, but has been tough on players, telling them why the game is important.
“Our preparations have been just the same as we have been preparing for other countries,” he said.
Fazili also stressed that the team has rectified some of its shortfalls from the previous game and expressed hope that they will deliver positive results in the upcoming assignment.
He said he has confidence in all the players available for selection, although attacker Sabinah Thom was stretched off with an injury during the previous match.
On the other hand, the coach for Algeria, Farid Benstiti, said they will need to build a strong defence against Malawi if they are to proceed to the final.
The Fennecs coach said his team must also remain focused on Malawi and continue to improve in key areas.
“Before thinking about anything else, I think we have to take it like that, first with all humility and continue to progress in certain areas,” Benstiti said.
Algeria reached this stage after coming from behind to defeat Ivory Coast, 2-1, on 8 August 2026.
Ahead of the game, the Fennecs’ squad is doubtful to have Sofia Guellatu, who picked up an injury and likewise Morgane Ikene, who, according to the Algerian Football Federation, underwent a successful surgery after an injury.
This will be the first game between the two sides.
Algeria has only lost a single game, 1-0 in Group A against hosts, Morrocco 1-0, and Malawi lost 2-1 to Zambia in a Group C encounter.
Since both are in the semifinals of this tournament, they have also qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Malawi are 153 in the FIFA women’s rankings, while Algeria are currently ranked 74 in the world.
