Malawi have reached their first ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after defeating Algeria 3 to 1 in the semi final in Rabat, with sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga scoring all three goals, as reported by AP News and SABC Sports. Tabitha struck twice before Temwa added a third as the Scorchers continued their remarkable debut campaign at the 2026 tournament. The victory makes Malawi the first WAFCON debutants since Zimbabwe in 2000 to reach the final.
The Chawinga sisters have been central to Malawi’s breakthrough run, combining their attacking experience to give the southern African nation one of the biggest stories of the tournament. Their performance against Algeria came after Malawi had already exceeded expectations by reaching the knockout stages in their first appearance at the continental championship. The result also means Algeria will compete for third place after falling short in the semi final.
Malawi’s progress carries wider significance for African women’s football, demonstrating the expanding competitiveness of the WAFCON beyond the continent’s traditional powerhouses. The Scorchers entered the tournament ranked 153rd in the world, while 10 time champions Nigeria were eliminated in the quarter finals. For Malawi, the historic run provides a major platform for the country’s women’s game and strengthens its international profile ahead of the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Malawi will now face Cameroon in Sunday’s final after the Indomitable Lionesses defeated hosts Morocco on penalties in the other semi final. Whatever the outcome, the Scorchers have already secured the biggest achievement in the history of Malawian women’s football, while the Chawinga sisters have emerged as the defining figures of one of WAFCON’s most remarkable campaigns.
