Zambia Beat Malawi 2-1 but Exit WAFCON 2026 on Tiebreakers

FÈS, Morocco — Zambia defeated Malawi 2-1 in their final Group C match at the TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations 2026, but still finished third and were eliminated from the tournament on head-to-head tiebreakers.

Barbra Banda opened the scoring in just the 2nd minute, finishing a move involving Lushomo Mweemba. Prisca Chilufya doubled Zambia’s lead in the 37th minute with an assist from M. Belemu, giving the Copper Queens a commanding 2-0 advantage at half-time.

Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute, but Zambia held firm to secure the victory.

Despite the win, Zambia, Malawi and Nigeria all finished level on six points. Under CAF’s ranking rules for three-team ties, only the matches between those three sides were considered. Malawi ranked first on goals scored in the mini-league, followed by Nigeria, with Zambia eliminated in third place.

Malawi progress as Group C winners, while Zambia’s impressive campaign ends at the group stage.