WAFCON 2026: Malawi Beat Ghana 2-1 to Reach Historic Semi-Finals and Qualify for 2027 Women’s World Cup

Malawi have made history at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating Ghana 2-1 on Sunday to reach the semi-finals and secure their first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The Scorchers, who are making their debut at the tournament, produced a remarkable comeback in a dramatic quarter-final to move within one victory of the WAFCON final.

Ghana made a flying start when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah opened the scoring after just seven minutes. Her composed finish gave the Black Queens an early advantage and appeared to put them on course for a place in the last four.

Malawi, however, responded almost immediately. Just five minutes after falling behind, captain and star forward Temwa Chawinga stepped up for the Scorchers, finding the back of the net in the 12th minute to restore parity and send the Malawian supporters into celebration.

The game remained tightly contested as both sides searched for the decisive goal, with Malawi continuing to push forward as they chased a historic result. Their persistence finally paid off in the 79th minute when Rose Kadzere found space inside the penalty area before keeping her composure to beat the Ghana goalkeeper and put Malawi ahead for the first time.

Ghana pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Malawi held on to complete one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history.

The victory sends the Scorchers into the semi-finals and, perhaps even more significantly, guarantees Malawi a place at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil for the first time in the country's history.