The underdogs have become contenders, the doubters have been silenced and the Scorchers have reached a point where simply being there no longer defines them. The Scorchers have already demonstrated resilience, recovering from adversity on their way to a 2-1 quarter-final victory over Ghana. But if Algeria have experience, Malawi have momentum and at the centre of it all is captain Tabitha Chawinga, whose leadership has become synonymous with Malawi’s remarkable campaign. At the other end, goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo as well as Benadetta Mkandawire and Chimwemwe Madise are the spine of the Scorchers’ defence. That is why even the Fifa rankings suddenly feel almost irrelevant when it comes to playing the Scorchers.