Scorchers Make History with Semifinal Victory Over Algeria
Malawi’s national women’s team, the Scorchers, have secured a place in the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) after a 3-1 semifinal win over Algeria in Morocco. The victory marks a historic achievement for the team, which had already qualified for next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil by reaching the last four.
According to the match report, Malawi’s success at the expanded 16-team tournament is being seen as proof that women’s football in Africa can thrive beyond the traditional powerhouses. Excluding the inaugural edition in 1998, the Scorchers are the first debutant to reach the final.
Chawinga Sisters Lead the Charge
The Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, have been the driving force behind Malawi’s remarkable run. The report notes that they have scored eight of the team’s 12 goals in the tournament, with Temwa netting five and Tabitha three. Their pace, power, and positional awareness have proven too much for opposition defenses to handle.
Tabitha, who helped OL Lyonnes to another French title last season, opened the scoring in the semifinal with a stunning overhead kick. The 30-year-old twisted to meet a headed pass from Asimenye Simwaka, who had been competing in the 200m and 400m semifinals at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow just two weeks prior. Tabitha’s effort beat Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi but struck the crossbar. However, the backspin on the ball caused it to bounce into the net, leaving N’Gazi unable to recover.
Red Cards Shift Momentum
The match saw two red cards that significantly altered the flow of the game. Algeria’s Belkhiter was sent off midway through the first half for a challenge on Tabitha Chawinga. Replays showed the defender catching Chawinga on the back of the heel, though the decision appeared harsh, as teammate Roselene Khezami also got something on the ball during the lunge.
With the numerical advantage, Temwa Chawinga doubled Malawi’s lead by rounding N’Gazi and slotting home. However, Malawi midfielder Kadzere was then shown a deserved red card for a tackle on Marine Dafeur inside the Algeria penalty area. The challenge, which caught Dafeur above the ankle, was deemed unnecessary and opened the door for Algeria to fight back.
Algeria Pull One Back, But Malawi Hold On
Algeria’s Melissa Bethi and Temwa Chawinga both missed clear chances early in the second half before Adjabi pulled one back for Algeria on the hour mark. The goal came from a deep free-kick by Dafeur, which two Malawi defenders failed to clear, allowing Adjabi to volley home.
With both sides tiring, Tabitha Chawinga settled the contest with her second goal of the match, driving into the penalty area almost unchallenged and side-footing home from just outside the six-yard box.
What’s Next for Malawi
Ranked 153rd in the world, Malawi have taken the tournament by storm. The Scorchers now face one final hurdle in the Wafcon final, and with the Chawinga sisters in this form, they will feel confident against any opponent. The team’s run has already secured their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, but a continental title would be the crowning achievement of a historic campaign.