Indian Women's Football Team Rival Watch: Malawi

India will play against Malawi in the FIFA Women’s Series 2026 on April 15

India is set to face the Malawi national team in the third-place playoff match of FIFA Women’s Series 2026 on 15th April 4:30 pm I.S.T at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi after losing out to Kenya with a scoreline of 2-0 in their first game.

Both India and Malawi had a poor start to their respective FIFA Women’s Series 2026 campaign, with Malawi losing out their match against the Matildas (Australia) with an embarrassing scoreline of 5-0.

Now as both the teams gear up to face each other in an important third-place playoff match, let us take a look at India’s rival Malawi.

Recent Performance

Malawi’s recent form has been a mixed bag, but there are plenty of positives to take from their last few outings. In their previous five matches, they have suffered just two defeats, both coming in tough contests, including their most recent game against Australia in the FIFA Women’s Series 2026.

Alongside those losses, they have managed two wins and a draw, showing that they are capable of putting together strong performances.

One of the standout results in this run was their emphatic 8-1 victory over Lesotho, a result that underlined their attacking strength and confidence going forward.

They also secured an impressive win over Angola, while their defeat to South Africa was a closely fought encounter, highlighting their ability to compete against stronger opposition.

Overall, Malawi come into this fixture with decent momentum. While the results have been mixed, their recent performances suggest they are a side that can be dangerous on their day, especially when they find rhythm in attack.

Head Coach

Lovemore Fazili

Head coach Lovemore Fazili has been a key figure in the growth of the Malawi women’s national team for quite some time now.

The 56-year-old tactician has guided the side through one of its most promising phases, helping the team develop into a competitive unit on the continental stage.

Under his leadership, Malawi achieved a historic milestone by winning their first-ever COSAFA Women’s Cup title in 2023, a moment that remains one of the biggest achievements in the team’s history.

His tenure has been marked by disciplined performances, steady progress, and improved results in major tournaments.

Fazili’s preferred setup is the 4-4-2 formation, a system that brings balance to the side. It allows Malawi to stay compact defensively while also providing width and support in attack through the flanks and a two-player strike partnership upfront.

This approach has suited the team well and has played an important role in their recent success.

Predicted Lineup

Formation: 4-4-2

Mercy Sikelo (GK), Chimwemwe Madise (C), Rose Kabzere, Sabinah Thom, Sarah Mulimbika, Vanessa Chipikula, Leticia Chinyamula, Faith Chinzimu, Ireen Khumalo, Rose Alufandika, Bernadetta Mkandawire.

Player to Watchout

Chimwemwe Madise

Malawi’s captain will certainly be one of the key players to watch, and India will need to keep a close eye on her throughout the game. With key appearances for the national team, she brings both experience and leadership to the side.

Primarily a midfielder, she is also capable of dropping deeper and taking up defensive responsibilities whenever the situation demands.

Her versatility was on display in the match against Australia, where she was deployed in the backline to help deal with the opposition’s attacking threat.

That tactical flexibility makes her a crucial asset for Malawi, as she can influence the game in multiple areas of the pitch.

Having also represented TP Mazembe in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, she carries valuable club experience that adds further strength to her game.

For India, limiting her time on the ball and not allowing her to dictate play could be an important factor in the contest.

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