Malawi Stuns Ghana to Reach WAFCON Semis and Secure Historic 2027 World Cup Qualification

The Malawi women’s national football team, known as the Scorchers, has secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) following a 2-1 victory over Ghana in the quarter-finals. This result guarantees the team a debut appearance at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, according to reporting by Afrik.com.

The Black Queens took an early lead just seven minutes into the match through a goal by Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah. However, Malawi responded quickly when captain Temwa Chawinga leveled the score in the 12th minute. The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute, as Rose Kadzere found the back of the net to give the Scorchers their first lead of the match, a lead they successfully defended until the final whistle, as documented by Afrik.com.

A Historic Tournament Run for the Scorchers

Malawi’s journey in the 2026 tournament has been defined by a series of high-profile upsets. Before eliminating Ghana, the team finished at the top of their group, securing victories over tournament favorites including the defending champions, Nigeria, and Egypt. This performance has established the Scorchers as the surprise package of the competition, marking a significant rise for a team making its maiden appearance in the tournament, according to reports from Afrik.com.

By reaching the semi-finals, Malawi has officially confirmed its place in the global tournament to be held in Brazil. For Ghana, the loss is a setback in their bid to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2007. The Black Queens remain in contention for a potential spot via the continental playoff route, where they are set to face Côte d’Ivoire, as noted by Afrik.com.

Algeria’s Path to the Semi-Finals

Malawi’s semi-final opponent, Algeria, has also enjoyed a landmark tournament. The Fennecs secured their place in the semi-finals after defeating Côte d’Ivoire 2-1, a win that represents the first time the Algerian women’s team has advanced to this stage of the Africa Cup of Nations. Like Malawi, Algeria has also successfully validated its qualification for the 2027 World Cup, ensuring that both teams will head into the August 12th matchup with the momentum of historic achievements, as reported by Afrik.com.