By Peter Omopo
Malawi have reached the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Algeria 3-1 in a dramatic semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.
The Scorchers, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament, continued their remarkable campaign by producing another major upset to book their place in Sunday’s final.
Malawi had earlier eliminated African heavyweights Nigeria and Ghana, with the Chawinga sisters once again playing decisive roles in their latest victory.
The semi-final turned into a dramatic contest, with both sides creating several chances and two players receiving red cards following VAR interventions.
Algeria were reduced to 10 players when Morgane Belkhiter was sent off for denying Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga a clear goalscoring opportunity.
Chawinga then gave Malawi the lead in the 33rd minute with a spectacular overhead kick that struck the crossbar before bouncing down and spinning over the goal line.
The Scorchers doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time when Temwa Chawinga found the back of the net, leaving Malawi in a commanding position at the break.
Malawi’s numerical advantage was short lived, however, as Rose Kadzere was also shown a red card before half-time following a VAR review for a dangerous studs-up challenge.
Algeria responded strongly after the restart and reduced the deficit when Ikram Adjabi scored to give the North Africans hope of mounting a comeback.
Tabitha Chawinga, however, ended Algeria’s hopes when she scored her second goal of the night to restore Malawi’s two-goal advantage and secure the Scorchers’ passage to the final.
The victory marks another remarkable milestone for Malawi, who are making their debut at the WAFCON and have now advanced to the championship match after overcoming three of the continent’s established footballing nations.
Malawi will face either hosts Morocco or Cameroon in Sunday’s final.
