Malawi Make History with 3-1 Semi-Final Victory over Algeria

RABAT, Morocco — Malawi continued their remarkable debut campaign at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Algeria 3-1 in the semi-final at the Olympic Stadium to reach their first-ever WAFCON final.

The Chawinga sisters once again proved decisive, combining for all three of Malawi’s goals in a high-intensity encounter marked by two red cards.

Algeria were reduced to 10 players in the 22nd minute when Morgane Belkhiter was sent off for denying Tabitha Chawinga a clear goalscoring opportunity. The Lyon striker then opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a spectacular overhead kick that struck the crossbar before bouncing over the line.

Temwa Chawinga doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time, rounding goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi to score her fifth goal of the tournament. Moments later, Malawi were also reduced to 10 players when Rose Kadzere received a red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge.

Algeria responded after the break through Ikram Adjabi, who pulled a goal back in the 60th minute to give the North Africans hope. However, Tabitha Chawinga restored Malawi’s two-goal cushion in the 76th minute with a composed finish to seal a 3-1 victory.

The result sends the Scorchers into Sunday’s final, where they will face either hosts Morocco or Cameroon. Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world before the tournament, have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and now stand one match away from becoming only the fourth nation to lift the WAFCON trophy.

The Chawinga sisters have been the standout performers of the competition, driving Malawi’s fairytale run from group-stage underdogs to finalists on their first appearance at the continental showpiece.