LILONGWE, Malawi — Morocco’s Ambassador to Malawi Oumiyer Muhammad says the Malawi Scorchers’ historic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup reflects the growing opportunities for Malawians as relations between the two countries continue to expand, writes Steria Manda.
Muhammad made the remarks in an interview Tuesday on the sidelines of the Scorchers’ remarkable campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they reached the semi-finals after defeating Ghana’s Black Queens 2-1.
The result not only kept Malawi’s continental campaign alive but also secured the Scorchers a historic place at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Muhammad described the team’s performance as a demonstration of the determination and ability of Malawian women to compete at the highest level of African football.
He cited the Scorchers’ victories over Nigeria, Egypt and Ghana as evidence that Malawian talent can overcome some of the continent’s strongest teams when given the right platform and support.
For Muhammad, the achievement extends beyond football, forming part of a broader relationship between Malawi and Morocco that is increasingly focused on empowering people and promoting development.
Speaking during Morocco’s Throne Day celebrations in Lilongwe earlier, the ambassador reflected on Morocco’s development under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, who marked 27 years on the throne July 30.
Muhammad said the King’s leadership had driven progress in areas including stability, innovation, skills development and sustainable development, creating opportunities that could also benefit Morocco’s partners.
He said Morocco was particularly pleased to see Malawi making progress on the football pitch while the tournament was being hosted in Morocco, adding that his country remained interested in supporting young Malawians in areas such as sport and education.
The ambassador highlighted several areas of cooperation between the two countries, including Morocco’s donation of 1,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer to Malawi, plans for a fertilizer production plant, support for communities affected by climate change and scholarships for Malawian students.
According to Muhammad, the initiatives have the potential to contribute to Malawi’s agricultural transformation by improving access to fertilizer, reducing reliance on imports and strengthening economic cooperation.
He said the Scorchers’ progress and broader cooperation between Malawi and Morocco demonstrate the potential of partnerships built around a shared vision of a resilient, self-reliant and interconnected Africa.
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