Malawi Stuns Ghana to Reach Semi-Finals of 2026 WAFCON and Qualify for Women’s World Cup
In a breathtaking match that unfolded at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Malawi’s women’s national football team achieved a monumental victory over Ghana, defeating them 2-1. The match was pivotal not only for advancing to the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) but also for securing a historic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, marking Malawi’s first appearance in the tournament.
Ghana’s quest for its first WAFCON title remains unfulfilled, as the loss dealt a significant blow to their aspirations. The match began with a promising start for the Black Queens when Chantelle Boye Hlorkah scored just seven minutes in, giving Ghana an early lead. However, Malawi quickly answered back, demonstrating resilience and determination. Tenwa Chawinga found the net shortly after, leveling the score at 1-1 just five minutes later.
Throughout the first half, both teams struggled to generate further scoring opportunities, leaving the match in a tense stalemate. As the second half commenced, Ghana appeared more focused, coming close to taking the lead again. Doris Boaduwaa seemingly netted a second goal, but VAR intervened, ruling it out for offside, leaving their hopes hanging in the balance.
As the match approached its conclusion, Malawi seized the momentum, creating better chances with strong attacks. In a decisive moment with just over ten minutes remaining, Rose Kadzere collected the ball in the box and managed to outmaneuver the advancing Ghanaian goalkeeper, Cynthia Konlan, to give Malawi a crucial lead.
The debutants held on to their advantage, successfully qualifying for the semi-finals of the tournament. Their next challenge is set against Algeria, as they vie for a place in the finals. Meanwhile, Ghana, now facing disappointment, remains in the race for a World Cup spot, with an upcoming playoff against Côte d’Ivoire determining their chances to enter the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
This match stands as a testament to Malawi’s growth in women’s football, as they not only shocked their opponents but also paved their path to the global stage, while Ghana is left to reassess its plans and reaffirm its ambitions for future competitions.
