The Scorchers, making their first appearance at Africa's premier women's competition in Morocco, suffered the loss at the Municipal de Berrechid Stadium. However, Fazili played down the result, explaining that it was part of deliberate squad rotation to assess depth and protect key players from injury.
Coach draws positives from setback
Speaking after the match, Fazili expressed optimism for the tournament ahead. "I am still confident that we will fight for this WAFCON, and Malawians should expect positive results," he said. "It was a bad game compared to Morocco, but it happened because we changed the team to see other players as we prepared. Come next week, we will have our first 11 which is capable of delivering."
Star forward and captain Tabitha Chawinga, along with other key starters, were rested during the Ghana encounter. Fringe players and backup goalkeepers were given valuable minutes as the coaching staff finalised preparations for their Group C campaign.
Historic campaign begins against Nigeria
Malawi will open their Group C campaign against Nigeria on 28 July, before facing Egypt on 1 August and Zambia on 5 August. The tournament represents a significant milestone for Malawian women's football, with the Scorchers aiming to make a positive impression on their debut.
Fazili has treated the Ghana friendly as a serious test, viewing it as preparation equivalent to the tournament opener. The coach believes the experience gained will stand his team in good stead when they face stronger opposition in the group stage.
The presence of the Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, adds considerable attacking quality to the squad. Both players have enjoyed successful club careers in Europe and beyond, bringing valuable experience to a Scorchers side eager to compete at the highest level on the continental stage.
As the tournament draws near, expectations in Malawi are rising. While the 4-0 defeat served as a reality check, Fazili's message of confidence and the opportunity to test squad depth suggest the team is focused on delivering competitive performances when it matters most.