Debutants Malawi have reached the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Algeria 3-1 in a dramatic semi-final in Rabat.
The Scorchers, ranked 153rd in the world and 116 places below pre-tournament favourites Nigeria, continued their remarkable run by overcoming Algeria to book a place in Sunday’s final.
Malawi took advantage of Algeria’s early setback when Morgane Belkhiter was shown a red card in the 23rd minute for denying captain Tabitha Chawinga a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Tabitha opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a spectacular overhead kick following a corner, before her sister, Temwa Chawinga, doubled the advantage in the first minute of added time after rounding goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi.
The first half ended with both teams reduced to 10 players after Malawi’s Rose Kadzere was also sent off following a VAR review for a studs-up challenge.
Algeria responded after the break, with Ikram Adjabi pulling one back in the 60th minute to give the North Africans hope of a comeback.
However, Tabitha Chawinga restored Malawi’s two-goal advantage in the 76th minute with a brilliant solo effort, effectively ending Algeria’s hopes.
The victory means the Chawinga sisters have once again taken centre stage for Malawi, with Temwa now having five goals in the tournament and Tabitha four.
Malawi had already stunned heavyweights Nigeria and Ghana earlier in the competition, and will now face Cameroon in Sunday’s final after the Indomitable Lionesses defeated hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties following a goalless draw.
Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina was the hero in the shootout, saving three Moroccan attempts, while Myriam Maéva Nyadjou converted the decisive kick.
Cameroon had earlier defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the quarter-finals to reach the last four.
The final will see Malawi, appearing in the WAFCON for the first time, attempt to complete one of the tournament’s biggest underdog stories.
Meanwhile, all four semi-finalists Malawi, Algeria, Morocco and Cameroon have secured qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Malawi and Algeria will make their World Cup debuts, while Morocco will appear for the second time and Cameroon for the third.
