2026 women's AFCON: Malawi eliminates Algeria and books a spot in the final (3-1) !

12.08.26 FT Africa Women Cup of Nations

Algeria W

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Malawi W

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Algeria fell to Malawi in a match highlighted by two red cards and a hat-trick from the Chawinga sisters.

Algeria suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Malawi in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Farid Benstiti’s squad endured a nightmare first half, with Morgane Belkhiter sent off as early as the 23rd minute.

With a numerical advantage, Malawi seized control of the match. Tabitha Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute before her sister Temwa doubled the lead in stoppage time. The Scorchers also finished the first half with ten players, as Rose Kadzere was sent off in the 45th+8 minute.

Algeria's late surge falls short

Returning from the break with both sides down to ten, the Algerians had nothing left to lose. Driven by a hunger for revenge, they piled on the pressure and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Ikram Adjabi pulled one back to make it 2-1.

The Greens pushed forward in search of an equalizer, but their efforts eventually took a physical toll. Tabitha Chawinga capitalized in the 76th minute, netting Malawi’s third to seal her team's place in the final.

Read also: 2026 Women's AFCON: Malawi stuns Algeria at halftime (2-0)

Malawi will play in their first-ever continental final against the winner of Morocco–Cameroon. Algeria’s heroic journey ends in the semi-finals, but they can still celebrate a historic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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Algeria W

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