WAFCON 2026: Malawi Reach Quarter-Finals Despite 2-1 Defeat to Zambia

Malawi secured a historic place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) despite falling 2-1 to Zambia in their final Group C match on Wednesday.

Although the Scorchers were beaten on the night, results elsewhere worked in their favour as they finished top of Group C on goal difference, edging out defending champions Nigeria to reach the knockout stage for the first time.

Zambia made a dream start to the contest, taking the lead within the opening minute through Barbra Banda. The prolific forward unleashed a powerful long-range effort that found the back of the net, taking her tally for the tournament to five goals.

The Copper Queens doubled their advantage shortly before half-time when Margaret Belemu delivered a low cut-back from the byline for Prisca Chilufya, who finished confidently to make it 2-0.

In the 72nd minute, Tabitha Chawinga produced a moment of individual brilliance, weaving past two defenders before firing a low shot beyond the goalkeeper to cut the deficit to 2-1.

However, the defeat did little to dampen Malawi's celebrations.

Thanks to Nigeria's victory over Egypt in the other Group C fixture, Malawi advanced to the quarter-finals as group winners, finishing level on points with Nigeria but ahead on goal difference.

For Zambia, the win proved bittersweet. Despite claiming all three points, the Copper Queens were eliminated from the competition after finishing behind both Malawi and Nigeria in one of the tournament's most dramatic group-stage finishes.