By Angu Lesley
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Malawi international Asimenye Simwaka has completed one of the most remarkable journeys in African sport this month, swapping the athletics track for the football pitch as she rejoins the Scorchers for their decisive 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) clash against Zambia.
The 24-year-old winger represented Malawi at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, competing in the women’s 200m sprint before travelling to Morocco to link up with the national women’s football team. Her return provides a timely boost for the Scorchers as they prepare for a crucial final Group C encounter.
Simwaka was among the athletes selected to represent Malawi in athletics at the Commonwealth Games, further cementing her reputation as one of Africa’s few elite dual-sport athletes. While many athletes are forced to choose between disciplines, she continues to excel in both athletics and football.
Her late arrival for WAFCON had already been factored into Malawi’s plans. Head coach Lovemore Fazili retained faith in one of his quickest attacking players, naming her in the squad despite her Commonwealth Games commitments. Fazili has repeatedly highlighted Simwaka’s pace and versatility as key weapons in the Scorchers’ attack.
Malawi have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament during their historic maiden WAFCON appearance. The Scorchers stunned defending champions Nigeria before following up with another impressive victory over Egypt, putting themselves on the brink of a historic quarter-final qualification.
The Scorchers’ qualification fate now rests in their own hands. A victory or draw against Zambia in Wednesday’s final Group C fixture would secure a place in the WAFCON quarter-finals. Even if Malawi suffer defeat, they could still advance as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams, provided the margin of defeat is not too heavy and results in the other groups work in their favour.
That scenario makes Simwaka’s return all the more significant. Renowned as one of Malawi’s fastest women, her explosive pace has made her a constant threat on the football pitch, where she uses her speed to stretch defences and create goalscoring opportunities. Her experience and attacking qualities could prove decisive against a talented Zambian side.
Her journey from the Commonwealth Games to WAFCON within days is a rare feat in modern sport, highlighting her exceptional versatility, resilience and commitment to representing Malawi on the biggest stages.
As the Scorchers prepare for their biggest match yet, Simwaka’s remarkable return has added another compelling chapter to one of the most inspiring stories of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. If Malawi are to complete their dream run into the knockout stages, the Commonwealth Games sprinter could once again play a pivotal role.
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