Tabitha says Wafcon shifting a blessing

France-based Scorchers’ captain Tabitha Chawinga says the shifting of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) is a blessing in disguise for the Malawi Women’s National Football Team. The Confederation of African Football on Thursday announced that the continental showpiece, initially scheduled for March 17 to April 3 in Morocco, has been shifted to July 25 to August 16. In an interview yesterday, Chawinga said the shift could work to the Scorchers’ advantage.

“Of course, it has affected participating teams since preparations were in full swing, but on the other hand, I think it is a blessing to us as it will give us a bit more time to tune up,” she said. “At that particular time, Temwa [Chawinga] could have also fully recovered unlike now when we are not sure about her shape. I am certain that by July she will be in good shape.” The Olympique Lyonnais forward said the other advantage for the shift is that by the time the Wafcon tournament kicks off, it ill be off-season in Europe.

“So, we won’t be bothered by the possibility of missing our respective clubs’ matches and our focus will be purely on the tournament,” she said. The Scorchers were drawn in the same group with reigning champions Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Zambia’s Copper Queens and Egypt’s Cleopatras.