Malawi’s scorchers have reached the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals to secure their places at the Women’s World Cup.
In Sunday’s late game, Malawi defeated Ghana 2-1 in a historic triumph to secure their inaugural appearance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which has come on the back of their maiden participation in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Ghana wasted no time settling in at Rabat, as Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah fired a half-volley past Mercy Sikelo to put her team ahead in the seventh minute. However, five minutes later, Temwa Chawinga levelled the score by netting her third goal of the tournament. After picking up the ball inside the penalty area, the Kansas City Current player saw her shot deflected by Alice Kusi into Cynthia Konlan’s net.
Following a balanced first half with few clear-cut chances, the Black Queens thought they had regained the lead after the break. The lively Alice Kusi surged down the right flank and crossed to Doris Boaduwaa, who rose above everyone else to beat Mercy Sikelo; however, the goal was ultimately disallowed due to an offside position by the Al Ahli player at the start of the move.
It was total heartbreak for the Ghanaians, as Malawi ultimately took the lead in the 79th minute. Montpellier’s Rose Kadzere collected a cross from the right by Chawinga, beat a defender, and calmly slotted the ball past Konlan.
The Black Queens threw everything into the attack during the final 10 minutes in a bid to reach the WAFCON semi-finals — and qualify for the Women’s World Cup for the fourth time in their history — but to no avail. It is Lovemore Fazili’s squad that will be heading to Brazil for their first-ever Women’s World Cup appearance.
Malawi goals: Temwa Chawinga (12), Rose Kadzere (79). Ghana goal: Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (7)
#FIFAWWC 2027 debutants, Malawi! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/SvQetvQ8cO
— FIFA Women's World Cup (@FIFAWWC) August 9, 2026
