WAFCON 2026: Malawi reach first semi-final, qualify for 2027 Women’s World Cup
Malawi produced another stunning upset at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, coming from behind to beat Ghana 2-1 in Rabat and secure a historic place in both the semi-finals and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The victory continues one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament. Ranked 153rd in the world before the competition and appearing at WAFCON for the first time, Malawi have now guaranteed their debut appearance at the Women’s World Cup.
Early Ghana lead fails to shake Malawi
Ghana made the perfect start when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah volleyed home after just seven minutes, giving the three-time runners-up an early advantage.
Malawi responded almost immediately. Five minutes later, Temwa Chawinga drove forward and saw her effort take a decisive deflection on its way into the net, restoring parity and shifting momentum.
The equaliser settled Malawi and exposed growing uncertainty in the Ghana defence as the first half progressed.
Rose Kadzere delivers the decisive moment
The breakthrough arrived in the 79th minute. Rose Kadzere surged into the penalty area and finished emphatically beyond goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan, sending the Malawi bench into celebration.
Ghana pushed forward during the closing stages, but Malawi defended with discipline and composure, limiting their opponents to half-chances and seeing out the match without serious alarm.
Historic World Cup Qualification
Reaching the semi-finals automatically secures Malawi one of Africa’s four direct places at the 2027 Women’s World Cup. It is the biggest achievement in the nation’s women’s football history.
Malawi’s path to the last four has included:
- A shock opening victory over Nigeria
- A win against Egypt
- Qualification from Group C despite a defeat to Zambia
- A quarter-final comeback against Ghana
Their fearless attacking approach has made them one of the tournament’s standout teams.
Semi-Final Line-Up Confirmed
Malawi will face Algeria in the semi-finals in Casablanca, while hosts Morocco take on Cameroon in Rabat.
Remarkably, none of the four remaining teams has ever won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, guaranteeing that the 2026 edition will crown a first-time champion.
Cameroon eliminate defending Champions Nigeria
Earlier on Sunday, Cameroon produced another major surprise by defeating holders Nigeria 1-0 in Casablanca. Teenager Myriam Nyadjou scored the winning goal with a superb first-half free kick that beat goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Nigeria dominated late possession, but goalkeeper Michaely Bihina made several outstanding saves, including denying Esther Okoronkwo in stoppage time.
Six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala was introduced late but could not inspire an equaliser as Cameroon recorded only their second WAFCON victory over Nigeria in 14 meetings.
Malawi’s success is a powerful reminder of the growing competitiveness of women’s football across the continent. The expansion of WAFCON to 16 teams has already produced historic breakthroughs, with debutants proving capable of challenging established powers.
For Malawi, the journey now moves from surprise package to genuine title contender. One more victory would send the newcomers into the WAFCON final and move them within touching distance of an unprecedented continental crown.
SportsLigue
