Malawi Stuns Ghana, Reaches WAFCON Semis and World Cup

On Sunday night, Malawi's women's national football team, known as the Scorchers, stunned Ghana with a 2-1 victory in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). This win not only propelled Malawi into the semi-finals for the first time but also secured their historic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The decisive goal came from Rose Kadzere in the second half, solidifying Malawi's remarkable debut at the tournament. Prior to this match, Malawi had already made headlines by defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 and Egypt 3-1, finishing top of Group C despite a loss to Zambia.

Ghana, with a rich history in women's football, was unable to advance after finishing second in Group D. The Confederation of African Football confirmed that Malawi's triumph marked their first-ever place at a FIFA Women’s World Cup, making them one of the few debutants to reach the semi-finals of WAFCON.