Fazili says unfazed with Ghana showdown

The Scorchers say they are not in a cold sweat over facing Ghana in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tomorrow in Morocco’s capital, Rabat. The Black Queens of Ghana date the Malawi Women’s National Football Team after finishing top in Group D on Thursday night after playing out a one-all draw against fellow West Africans, Mali. A win for the Scorchers will see them punch their ticket to the promised land, the 2027 World Cup as they explore their fantasies.

Tomorrow’s showdown comes a fortnight after the Black Queens thumped the Scorchers 4-0 in their final warm-up game ahead of the continental showpiece. But in an interview yesterday, Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili said they are not losing sleep over facing the Ghanaians, stressing that “this will be a totally different fixture”. Sounding ice-cool and relaxed, the Scorchers gaffer said: “We won’t dwell in the past.

That they beat us the last time we met is no guarantee that they will win again on Sunday, football doesn’t wotk that way. “That was a different game, it was a friendly. This is a competitive match and there is so much at stake.” “Over and above that, we rang some changes in the previous match to give other players a chance.” He said the good thing is that they have played Ghana a couple of times and they know what to expect.

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Among others, in the recent friendly, Fazili featured non-regulars: goalkeeper Yamikani Kaonga, Oliviz Phikani, Chisomo Banda and Tendai Sani. Scorchers captain Tabitha Chawinga said at this stage of the tournament, there is no easy team. “When you reach this stage, there is nothing like preference because all the teams are tough.

So, we just have to continue working very hard and pray to God Almighty for His blessings and favours,” she said. Football analyst George Chiusiwa said the Scorchers have already demonstrated that they have no fear factor. He said: “Looking at their technically and tactically disciplined and determined display of football, there is no stage fright even when they are battling against giants like Nigeria and Zambia.

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