Benedetta Mkandawire will represent Malawi at the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after earning a place in the Scorchers’ final 23-player squad.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women defender Benedetta Mkandawire has secured her place in the Malawi National Women’s Football Team squad for the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The 23-player squad, unveiled ahead of the tournament, includes Mkandawire as the Club’s sole representative after she was one of four Bullets Women players named in the 32-member provisional squad announced in June alongside goalkeeper Thoko Mwase, midfielder Lyna James and forward Mary Chavinda.
Her selection is a reward for the defender’s consistent performances and will see her represent both FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Malawi on the biggest stage in African women’s football.
The Scorchers are set to make history with their maiden appearance at the tournament after being drawn in Group C alongside defending champions Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt.
Malawi will begin their campaign against Nigeria on 28 July at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat before facing Egypt at Moulay Hassan Stadium on 1 August. The Scorchers will conclude their group-stage fixtures against regional rivals Zambia on 5 August at Al Madina Stadium.
The top two teams from each group, together with the two best third-placed teams, will advance to the quarterfinals.
Everyone at FCB Nyasa Big Bullets congratulates Benedetta on earning her place in the final squad and wishes her every success at the tournament.
The Club also commends Thoko Mwase, Lyna James and Mary Chavinda for their commitment throughout the national team selection process and encourages them to continue striving for future opportunities with the Scorchers.
The Club also wishes the Scorchers every success as they prepare to make history on their maiden appearance at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Malawi’s final 23-player WAFCON squad
Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo (Civil Service Women), Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Yamikani Kawonga (MDF Lioness).
Defenders: Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Tionge Phiri (Silver Strikers Ladies), Benedetta Mkandawire (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer Academy).
Midfielders: Rose Kadzere (Montpellier HSC Féminines), Sarah Mlimbika (Green Buffaloes Women), Madyina Nguluwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Faith Chimzimu (BK Häcken), Chikondi Gondwe (Silver Strikers Ladies).
Forwards: Vanessa Chikupila (Palm Hills Sports Club), Vitumbiko Mkandawire (Civil Service Women), Deborah Henry (Silver Strikers Ladies), Asimenye Simwaka (MDF Lioness), Sabina Thom (Phoenix Academy Marrakesh), Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current).
