Malawi Shock Ghana to Reach WAFCON Semi-Finals, Secure 2027 World Cup Spot

Malawi’s Scorchers have reached the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after producing a remarkable 2-1 comeback victory over Ghana.

The result marks a historic achievement for Malawi, who are making their first appearance at the continental women’s football championship.

Ghana took an early lead in the seventh minute when forward Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah found the net, putting the Black Queens in front.

Malawi responded almost immediately, with Temwa Chawinga equalising five minutes later to bring the score level.

Neither side could find another goal before the break as the teams headed into half-time at 1-1.

The Scorchers returned strongly after the interval and continued to put pressure on Ghana’s defence.

Their persistence paid off in the 79th minute when Rose Kadzere scored the decisive goal, completing Malawi’s comeback and giving them a 2-1 advantage.

Ghana pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the final stages of the encounter, but Malawi defended their lead effectively to secure a famous victory.

The win sends Malawi into the WAFCON semi-finals and also guarantees their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The achievement is particularly significant given Malawi’s status as tournament debutants. The Scorchers had already made history by advancing from Group C, where they finished top despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Zambia in their final group fixture.

Malawi also announced their arrival on the continental stage in impressive fashion by defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening group match.

Against Ghana, Kadzere provided the crucial finishing touch, while Chawinga once again played an important role in Malawi’s impressive campaign.

For Ghana, the defeat brings their WAFCON campaign to an end and ends their hopes of reaching the semi-finals and earning direct qualification for the 2027 World Cup through the competition.

Malawi, meanwhile, now have an opportunity to compete for continental glory. Their remarkable debut campaign has developed into a serious title challenge, with the Scorchers now just two victories away from winning the WAFCON trophy.

The result also confirms Malawi as one of the tournament’s four semi-finalists and secures their place at next year’s expanded FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.