Chawinga: CAF bringing new hope with WAFCON expansion

Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga on the attack during the 2022 Hollywoodbets COSAFA Women’s Championship match between Malawi and Comoros held at Madibaz in Gqeberha, South Africa on 05 September 2022. ©Shaun Roy/BackpagePix

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Oct 25, 2025. 14:15

Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga has hailed the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to expand the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) to 16 teams.

CAF announced earlier this month that four extra slots have been allocated for the 2026 edition of the continental showpiece, up from the 12 countries who participated at WAFCON 2024.

The second round of qualifying began earlier this week as defending champions Nigeria beat West African neighbours Benin 2-0, having received a bye in the first round alongside South Africa, Zambia, Ghana, Cameroon and Ivory Coast.

Malawi, who were awarded a walkover in the first round after Congo withdrew from qualifying, kicked off their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Angola in Luanda on Thursday.

Chawinga has welcomed the move from CAF to afford smaller teams the opportunity to compete on the biggest stage in Africa and she is targeting one of the berths in Morocco with the Scorchers.

“It means more opportunities and great exposure to both older and upcoming players,” the Lyon forward told BBC Sport Africa.

“It is a continental platform to bring football dreams alive. I fully intend to captain the Malawi side to claim a spot in the WAFCON competition.”