The Scorchers, who are making their maiden appearance at the continental showpiece, have been drawn in Group C alongside Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt.
Ahead of their debut campaign, Malawi have been pitching camp in Morocco and played Ghana in a game in which they were totally outshone.
Ghana, who have been drawn in Group D alongside Cameroon, Mali, and Cape Verde, took control of the match through Doris Boaduwaa, who scored a hat-trick, before Sharon Esinam Sampson added the fourth goal late in the second half.
The Black Queens started strongly and took the lead with only eight minutes played through Boaduwaa, who capitalised on a corner situation to put Ghana ahead.
Malawi responded with some attacking moments, with Temwa Chawinga and Tendai Sani both coming close, but the Ghanaian goalkeeper was equal to the task.
Ghana doubled their lead in the 37th minute through Boaduwaa, who continued to cause problems for the Scorchers defence.
Despite Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili making changes to his starting XI, introducing Mercy Sikelo, Letticia Chinyamula, Vitumbiko Mkandawire and Maggie Chavula, Ghana struck two minutes after the restart, with Boaduwaa completing her hat-trick to make it 3-0.
The Scorchers continued to push forward, but Ghana added a fourth in the 73rd minute through Sharon Esinam Sampson.
Malawi made a lot of changes
“It was not a good game compared to the game we played against Morocco. In today’s game, we made a lot of changes,” said Fazili as quoted by the Malawi FA website after the game.
“We put some regular players on the bench and brought in new players, who had not been given a chance to play.”
Fazili added: “We were trying to find combinations through these players. We gave a chance to goalkeeper Yamikani Kaonga, Olivia Phikani, Chisomo Banda and Tendai Sani, just to mention a few.”
Fazili downplayed the heavy defeat by saying: “Yes, we have lost 4-0, but we were trying to give a chance to other players.
“We still have the team to start next week, and I am sure we have gone the right way. We now have other players who are capable of being given a chance when we start the tournament.”
Fazili continued: “We had scoring opportunities, but we could not convert them into goals. We will go back to the drawing board and see the way forward.”
Malawi to open against Nigeria
On whether Malawi will be ready ahead of their WAFCON opener against Nigeria, he responded: “I am sure that when we start the tournament, the team will be in good shape and the goals will come.
“We needed to see the combination of Tabitha and the team playing together. On Tuesday next week, I think we will have a first eleven that is capable of delivering.”
The coach also welcomed the return of vice-captain Temwa Chawinga, saying her presence has strengthened the attacking options.
“We are happy that Temwa is back, which means even upfront she is here to assist us,” said Fazili.
“With the other strikers, the coordination during training has been very good. We have almost tried to fix all departments in the team.”
Malawi will open their campaign against defending champions Nigeria on July 28th at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The Scorchers will then face Egypt on August 1st at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat before wrapping up the group stage against COSAFA regional rivals Zambia on August 5th at Al Madina Stadium.
Malawi WAFCON squad:
Goalkeepers: Mercy Sikelo (Civil Service Women), Esther Maulidi (Mighty Wanderers Queens), Yamikani Kawonga (MDF Lioness).
Defenders: Ireen Khumalo (Silver Strikers Ladies), Rose Alufandika (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Olivia Phikani (Kukoma Ntopwa Queens), Tionge Phiri (Silver Strikers Ladies), Benadetta Mkandawire (FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women), Chimwemwe Madise (TP Mazembe), Maggie Chavula (Ascent Soccer Academy).
Midfielders: Rose Kadzere (Montpellier HSC Feminines), Sara Mlimbika (Green Buffaloes Women), Madyina Nguluwe (Silver Strikers Ladies), Letticia Chinyamula (Ascent Soccer Academy), Faith Chimzimu (BK Häcken), Chikondi Gondwe (Silver Strikers Ladies).
Forwards: Vanessa Chikupila (Palm Hills Sports Club), Vitumbiko Mkandawire (Civil Service Women), Deborah Henry (Silver Strikers Ladies), Asimenye Simwaka (Free Agent), Sabinah Thom (Phoenix Academy Marrakesh), Tabitha Chawinga (Olympique Lyonnais), Temwa Chawinga (Kansas City Current).
