The Scorchers secured automatic qualification with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Ghana in the quarter-finals at the Al Medina Stadium. Temwa Chawinga equalised early after Ghana had taken the lead, before Rose Kadzere scored the decisive winner in the 79th minute.
Under the tournament regulations, the four WAFCON semi-finalists earn direct qualification for the expanded World Cup in Brazil. Malawi join Morocco, Algeria and Cameroon as Africa’s automatic representatives.
The achievement crowns a remarkable debut campaign for the Scorchers, who arrived at the tournament ranked among the lowest of the 16 competing nations. Their run has already included notable results against stronger opponents, culminating in this historic breakthrough.
Malawi will next face Algeria in the semi-finals as they continue their fairytale journey on the continental stage, while also preparing for their first appearance at the global showpiece next year.