By Burnett Munthali
Rabat, Morocco — Malawi’s Scorchers have secured a historic place in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Algeria 3–1 in a dramatic semi-final on Wednesday.
The breakthrough represents the biggest achievement yet in the history of Malawi women’s football and completes an extraordinary campaign for a side appearing at the continental finals for the first time.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga once again proved decisive, scoring twice, while her sister Temwa Chawinga added another goal as Malawi maintained their remarkable run in Morocco.
Tabitha broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute, giving Malawi the confidence and advantage they needed in a closely contested encounter.
The Scorchers then struck again deep into first-half stoppage time. Temwa Chawinga found the back of the net to send Malawi into the interval with a commanding 2–0 lead.
Algeria returned from the break determined to change the course of the match and succeeded in reducing the deficit through Ikram Adjabi in the 60th minute.
The North Africans’ hopes of completing a comeback, however, were short-lived.
Seven minutes later, Tabitha Chawinga restored Malawi’s two-goal cushion, completing her brace and putting the Scorchers firmly on course for the final.
The encounter was also marked by disciplinary incidents, with both sides eventually reduced to 10 players.
Despite the pressure, Malawi maintained their composure and protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The achievement marks another extraordinary step in a tournament that has already transformed the status of the Scorchers on the African football stage.
Malawi entered the competition without previous experience of playing at a WAFCON finals tournament. Instead of being overwhelmed by the occasion, the team has repeatedly challenged some of the continent’s established football nations.
One of the defining moments came earlier in the tournament when Malawi stunned defending champions Nigeria with a 3–2 victory.
The Scorchers subsequently defeated Egypt 3–1 before overcoming Ghana 2–1 in the quarter-finals. That victory not only sent Malawi into the last four but also secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The semi-final triumph over Algeria has now taken the team another step further.
At the centre of Malawi’s success has been the remarkable partnership between the Chawinga sisters.
Tabitha has combined leadership with clinical finishing, while Temwa has consistently provided pace, movement and attacking threat. Their performances have made them two of the most recognisable figures in Malawi’s historic campaign.
For Malawian supporters, the achievement represents far more than reaching a continental final. It is evidence of how rapidly women’s football has developed in the country and provides a powerful platform for a new generation of players.
The Scorchers will now prepare for the biggest match in the history of Malawi women’s football.
Their opponents will be determined by the outcome of the second semi-final between hosts Morocco and Cameroon.
Regardless of who awaits them in the final, Malawi have already guaranteed themselves a place among the most remarkable stories of the 2026 tournament.
The Scorchers arrived in Morocco as debutants.
They leave the semi-final as finalists — and with an opportunity to finish their extraordinary journey as champions of Africa.
