2026 Women's AFCON: Malawi stuns Ghana 2-1 to book semi-final spot

09.08.26 FT Africa Women Cup of Nations

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Ghana W

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The fairy tale continues. Malawi has pulled off another shock at the TotalEnergies CAF Women's AFCON 2026. The Scorchers defeated Ghana 2-1 tonight and punched their ticket to the semi-finals. Even better, they’ve now secured their spot at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Kadzere shatters Ghana's dream

The Black Queens struck first through Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah in the 7th minute. Malawi answered right away with a goal from Tabitha Chawinga in the 12th. Level at 1-1 at halftime, the match was fiercely contested.

Ghana pressed hard in the second half in search of a winner, but they ran into a determined and united Malawian side. In the 77th minute, Rose Kadzere popped up to score the decisive goal. That strike sent an entire nation into the semi-finals and turned the established order on its head.

A warrior's journey

Malawi's success is no fluke. From the start of the tournament, the Scorchers have impressed. They opened with a 3-2 victory over Nigeria to kick off their campaign, then followed up with a commanding 3-1 win against Egypt. Their only defeat came in a 1-2 loss to Zambia, but it was enough to top Group C. On August 9, another giant fell: Ghana. Four matches, three wins, one defeat—Malawi fears no one now.

Eyes on Brazil and Algeria

With their qualification for the semi-finals of the Women's AFCON, Malawi has officially booked their ticket to the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil—a historic first for the Scorchers. Next up: Algeria. The Fennecs defeated Ivory Coast 2-1 the previous day. It's set to be a fiery showdown between two of the tournament's surprise packages.

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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