Thokozani Mwase, Bernadetta Mkandawire and Lyna James have once again earned national team recognition after being included in Malawi’s final squad for the upcoming Three Nations Women’s Tournament to be staged at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili announced his 25-member squad on Friday morning, confirming the participation of Malawi, Zambia’s Copper Queens and Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors in the competition scheduled for 29 November to 2 December.
The Bullets trio returns to the national setup after impressing for club and country over recent months.
Mwase, who has been outstanding between the posts for Bullets Women this season, makes her return to the Scorchers squad for the first time since August, when she featured in Malawi’s two international friendlies against Lesotho. She kept a clean sheet in the second match — a convincing 3-0 victory at Mpira Stadium.
Mkandawire retains her place in the national team after featuring in both legs of Malawi’s historic WAFCON qualification triumph over Angola earlier this month. The defender has been one of the most consistent performers for Bullets Women across the campaign.
James, listed as a defender in Fazili’s squad, also returns to the national fold after being part of the group that sealed the Scorchers’ first-ever WAFCON qualification. Her versatility and composure have made her one of the standout players in the domestic league.
Initially, according to the Football Association of Malawi, Kenya had also been invited to participate in the competition, but the team opted for alternative fixtures, reducing the tournament to three nations.
For Malawi and Zambia, the competition will serve as part of their preparations for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Finals in Morocco, scheduled for March 2026.
The tournament will kick off on Friday, 29 November, with Malawi facing Zimbabwe. The Scorchers will then take on Zambia two days later on Sunday, 30 November. The final match of the competition will be played on Tuesday, 2 December, when Zambia meet Zimbabwe.
The team with the highest number of points at the end of the three matches will be crowned champions.
Below is Fazili’s full 25-member Malawi squad:
Goalkeepers
Mercy Sikelo (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Thoko Mwase (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Ireen Sibande (Silver Strikers Ladies).
Defenders
Maureen Kenneth (Ascent Soccer Academy), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Doreen Dickson (MDF Lioness), Benadetta Mkandawire (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Lyna James (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe).
Midfielders
Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Funny Moyo (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Funny Magombo (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Sarah Mulimbika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Rose Kabzere (Montpellier Hérault SC), Vanessa Chipukira (BIIK Kazygurt), Faith Chimzimu (BK Hacken), Tendai Sani (ZISD).
Forwards
Asimenye Simwaka (MDF Lioness), Chisomo Banda (Konkola Blades Queens), Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais Féminin), Catherine Kachala (MDF Lioness), Sabina Thom (MDF Lioness).
