CAN Féminine 2026 (semifinal): Algeria – Malawi head-to-head history
The first semifinal of the 2026 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations will see Algeria take on Malawi this Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 17:00 GMT.
This is a historic clash between two national teams who have never faced each other before—and who have also never reached the final of the competition.
Algeria’s impressive run
Algeria have booked their place in the semifinals of the tournament for the first time ever. After reaching the quarterfinals in 2024, the Greens went one better this year, making it to the last four and clinching a historic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Algeria finished second in Group A with 6 points, defeating Senegal (2-0) and Kenya (2-0), but falling to Morocco (0-1) in between. In the quarterfinals, Inès Khiri and her teammates knocked out Côte d’Ivoire (2-1).
Trailing after a goal from Konan (30’), Algeria turned the tables thanks to strikes from Khiri (57’) and Braham (64’), greatly aided by Ouedraogo’s sending off (39’) for a blow to N’Gazi’s face.

Malawi’s sensational journey
In their very first appearance at the tournament, the Scorchers wasted no time showing they were not here just to make up the numbers.
The Malawians stunned tournament favorites Nigeria (3-2) in one of the biggest upsets of the competition. They then beat Egypt (3-1) before losing to Zambia (1-2)—a defeat that did not affect their top spot in the group.
In the quarterfinals, Malawi overcame Ghana (2-1), sealing their place in the semifinals—and also booking a ticket to the 2027 World Cup. A real fairy tale!