* With the Scorchers climbing a staggering 49 places from 153 globally to 104th and amassed a record 158.44 points
* Nigeria have retained top spot in Africa but dropped by 7 spots, Egypt by 14 spots and Ghana by 5 places
* Cameroon rose nine places following their WAfCON triumph over the Scorchers in the final
By Duncan Mlanjira
The three teams that Malawi Scorchers beat at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) Morocco 2026 — Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana — have all dropped on the FIFA Women’s World Rankings.
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But having reached the final of the continental showpiece, where they won the silver medal after losing to Cameroon in the final and securing a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 — the Scorchers have climbed a staggering 49 places from 153 globally to 104th — amassing a record 158.44 points.
FIFA reports that the WAfCON 2026, which took place in July and August, has had the biggest influence on the World Rankings released on Tuesday.
Globally, Spain retained first place ahead of 2nd-placed United States and Germany on 3rd place.
Nigeria, who lost 2-3 to the Scorchers in the opening group match, have retained top spot in Africa but dropped by 7 spots.
The game against Nigeria at the WAfCON Morocco 2026
Egypt, whom Malawi beat 3-0 and went on to lose all their following matches, have dropped by 14 spots.
Ghana beaten by the Scorchers in the quarter-final, have dropped by 5 places while Cameroon rose nine spots following their WAfCON triumph over the Scorchers in the final
The Copper Queens of Zambia, who beat the Scorchers in group stages but failed to reach the knockout stages, have dropped five places to 70th in the world.
In Africa, Nigeria are at the top and ranked 43rd in the world, South Africa 2nd (59th), Cameroon 3rd (62nd), Morocco 4th (64th) and Ghana (5th) (65th).
Ahead of the WAfCON, the Black Queens of Ghana were ranked 3rd in Africa and 60th globally in the June edition published in June.
“The latest rankings underline the changing balance of women’s football in Africa, with Malawi’s historic progress contrasting with Ghana’s decline,” reports Ghana’s online 3News.
“For the Black Queens, the drop to 5th in Africa comes at a crucial time as they prepare for the preliminary phase of the play-offs for the 2027 Women’s World Cup next month.
“Ghana will be hoping to turn their fortunes around and regain ground on the continent as they continue their pursuit of a place at the global showpiece in Brazil.”
Zimbabwe, whom the Scorchers annihilated Zimbabwe 9-0 in the Olympic Games Los Angeles 2028 qualifiers — 2-0 at home Bingu National Stadium and 7-0 at National Sports Stadium in Harare — have fallen nine places to 136th.
Game against Zimbabwe
Zambia are 6th and 70th in the world; Côte d’Ivoire 7th (72), Algeria — whom the Scorchers beat in the WAfCON semis — on 8th (73), Senegal 9th (76), and Mali 10th (86).
Meanwhile, Football Association of Malawi (FAM) president Fleetwood Haiya has assured Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili that he will remain part of the team’s technical panel at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 despite concerns over his coaching qualifications.
Despite being on the bench at the WAfCON Morocco 2026, Fazili does not currently possess the CAF A coaching licence required to serve as head coach at the global tournament.
FAM Media reports that Fazili remained in charge of the Scorchers at WAfCON because he had an existing contract with the national team.
Lovemore Fazili
Haiya is quoted as saying FAM recognises Fazili’s contribution to the team’s historic achievements and is determined to ensure that he remains part of the technical setup at the World Cup.
He has thus been identified by FAM as one of the coaches who will undergo the upcoming CAF A Licence coaching course, which CAF has authorised FAM to conduct locally in November or December.
“Coach Fazili is among the coaches earmarked for this course,” Haiya is quoted as saying. “However, by the time he will be undertaking his CAF A coaching course, the list of coaches who are supposed to lead the Scorchers at the World Cup will have already been submitted.
Haiya further explained that the timing of the course and the submission deadline for the World Cup technical panel could prevent Fazili from serving as head coach, even if he successfully completes the training.
“Therefore, it will be difficult for Lovemore Fazili to lead the Scorchers at the World Cup because, even if he passes, the names are required before the CAF A examination results are released,” he said.
Haiya, however, emphasised that Fazili’s contribution to the Scorchers’ success cannot be overlooked, assuring him of a place within the technical panel as recognition of his achievements.
He further assured Malawians that FAM will put in place the necessary technical arrangements to ensure that the Scorchers are adequately prepared for their historic World Cup appearance.
He stressed that the Association’s ambition is to assemble a competitive team capable of challenging opponents on the global stage rather than merely participating in the tournament.—Additional report on Fazili by FAM Media
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