Sponsors NBM’s CEO Harold Jiya motivates Scorchers ahead of the historic WAfCON final

* The dream is alive, the belief is strong, and the whole nation stands with them — let’s go, Scorchers!

By Duncan Mlanjira

Harold Jiya, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of National Bank of Malawi (NBM) — sponsors of Malawi Scorchers and the country’s elite women’s football league, the NBM Women’s Premiership, paid a courtesy call at the team’s hotel ahead of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) Morocco 2026 final against Cameroon kicking off 21h00.

This was a strong moment of encouragement as NBM joins the rest of the country in rallying behind the noble girls for their historic achievement that includes qualifying for their first-ever FiFA World Cup to be played in Brazil in 2027.

“The dream is alive, the belief is strong, and the whole nation stands with them — let’s go, Scorchers!” wrote NBM on its official Facebook account.

He was accompanied by Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president, Fleetwood Haiya, who reported on his Facebook page that when motivating the girls, he reminded them “to believe that it is possible”.

“We have not come this far for nothing,” he wrote. “They have already made us proud, but there is one more mission to finish, and we must fight until the final whistle.

“My sincere appreciation goes to National Bank of Malawi CEO Harold Jiya for motivating the girls and for the continued sponsorship, as well as all corporate partners and individuals who have come forward to support our Scorchers on this historic journey. Football unites. Let’s finish the mission, Scorchers!”

NBM is continuing with the public Watch Parties and in Zomba its at Stay in Mulunguzi Cottage, in Lilongwe at Aero Lounge, in Blantyre at Moneymen Club Blantyre and at Linde Lounge & Grill in Mzuzu.

Meanwhile, FAM issued a statement on Friday extending its sincere appreciation to the general public supporters, well-wishers, corporate partners and all stakeholders for the tremendous support and encouragement to the Malawi Scorchers — following their historic qualification for the WAfCON final and their overall outstanding performance. 

“This achievement is a source of great pride for the nation and FAM is grateful to everyone who continue to celebrate and support the team,” said the statement.

“However, FAM wishes to advise all companies, organisations, individuals and other stakeholders that the use of the Malawi national women’s football team — its players, officials, name, logos, branding or other team-related intellectual property for product endorsement, advertising, promotions, marketing campaigns or any other commercial purposes — requires prior consent from FAM.

“Accordingly, all companies and individuals are urged to desist from using the team or its members to endorse or promote products, services, brands or commercial activities without prior authorisation.”

FAM further advised that “there are no restrictions on congratulatory messages, flyers, posters, social media graphics or other materials celebrating the team or its players — provided that such content is non-commercial and does not promote or endorse any product, service, brand or other commercial activity”.

“Requests for consent for any commercial uses should be submitted to marketing @fam.mw for consideration and approval before any such materials are published or circulated.

“This measure is intended to protect the interests, image and commercial rights of the team and its players, while ensuring that the national team’s success is celebrated in a coordinated and respectful manner. 

“FAM appreciates the continued support of all Malawians and encourages everyone to celebrate this historic achievement while respecting the rights and interests of the players, officials and FAM.”

Group stage results, standings and knockout stage fixtures (kick-off times CAT beamed live on SuperSport live on DStv Channel 225 (https://dstv.stream) and on GOtv Channel 61 (https://gotv.stream):

Group A

Algeria 2-0 Senegal 

Morocco 4-0 Kenya 

Senegal 1-0 Kenya

Morocco 1-0 Algeria

Senegal 0-0 Morocco 

Kenya 0-2 Algeria

Group B

South Africa 1-2 Tanzania 

Côte d’Ivoire 4-1 Burkina Faso 

South Africa 2-2 Côte d’Ivoire 

Burkina Faso 2-1 Tanzania

Burkina Faso 0-1 South Africa

Tanzania 1-2 Côte d’Ivoire 

Group C

Zambia 6-0 Egypt

Nigeria 3-2 Malawi

Egypt 1-3 Malawi

Nigeria 1-0 Zambia

Egypt 2-6 Nigeria

Malawi 1-2 Zambia

Group D

Ghana 2-0 Cape Verde

Cameroon 2-1 Mali

Ghana 0-1 Cameroon

Mali 3-2 Cape Verde 

Mali 1-1 Ghana 

Cape Verde 1-1 Cameroon 

Quarterfinals

Côte d’Ivoire 1-2 Algeria 

Morocco 2-1 South Africa 

Cameroon 1-0 Nigeria 

Malawi 2-1 Ghana

Semifinals

Algeria 1-3 Malawi

Morocco 0(1) – 0(3) Cameroon

World Cup 2027 play-off matches

South Africa 2-1 Nigeria

Côte d’Ivoire 1-2 Ghana

Third place play-off

Algeria 1 (3) 1 (2) Morocco

WAfCON 2026 final

Tonight, August 16

Malawi v Cameroon (Moulay El Hassan Stadium, Rabat, (21h00)