By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Malawi have reached the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time after defeating Algeria 3-1 in a thrilling semi-final in Morocco on Wednesday.

The result caps a remarkable tournament for the Scorchers, who are competing at the WAFCON for the first time in their history. Malawi entered the competition as debutants but have now gone all the way to the final, with the Chawinga sisters once again at the heart of their historic run.

Tabitha Chawinga opened the scoring in the 33rd minute before her sister, Temwa Chawinga, doubled Malawi’s advantage in first-half stoppage time.

Algeria responded after the break when Ikram Adjabi pulled a goal back in the 60th minute, raising hopes of a comeback.

But Tabitha ended those hopes in the 76th minute, scoring her second goal of the night to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion and secure a 3-1 victory.

The win continues a remarkable rise for Malawi at their maiden WAFCON appearance. Before the tournament, coach Lovemore Fazili had described the initial objective as simply progressing from the group stage before taking the competition “step by step.”

Instead, the Scorchers have gone beyond expectations and reached the championship match.

Their campaign has already included one of the tournament’s biggest shocks, a 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria in their opening Group C match. Temwa scored twice in that encounter, while Tabitha also found the net.

The sisters have consequently become central figures in Malawi’s extraordinary campaign. Tabitha, who captains the national team, plays for French club Olympique Lyonnais, while Temwa represents Kansas City Current in the United States. The Football Association of Malawi included both players in its 2026 WAFCON squad, describing Temwa’s return to the national team as a major boost.

Malawi’s achievement is even more significant given that this is their first appearance at the continental tournament. The 2026 edition is also the first WAFCON to feature 16 teams, having previously been contested by 12.

The Scorchers have already secured qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil by reaching the semi-finals, with the four WAFCON semi-finalists earning automatic World Cup places.

Now, Malawi stand one victory away from completing one of the most extraordinary stories in African women’s football.

The final is scheduled for August 16 in Rabat, where the Scorchers will attempt to crown their unprecedented debut with the biggest prize in African women’s football.