Debutants Malawi Stun Ghana To Reach WAFCON Semi-finals, Seal World Cup Spot

Malawi have completed one of the most remarkable stories in the history of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Ghana 2-1 to reach the semi-finals and secure a historic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The Scorchers, making their debut at the continental tournament, produced another stunning performance Sunday’s night, with Rose Kadzere scoring the decisive goal in the 79th minute to send Malawi into the last four and book their place at the global showpiece for the first time.

Their extraordinary campaign has already included victories over defending champions Nigeria and Egypt in the group stage. Having topped Group C, Malawi have now continued their dream run by eliminating experienced Ghana in the quarter-finals.

The result makes the Scorchers one of the few debutants in WAFCON history to reach the semi-finals, while also earning one of Africa’s four automatic qualification places for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For Ghana, the defeat was a major setback in their bid to return to the global finals for the first time since 2007.

The Black Queens, however, still have a route to the World Cup. They will face Côte d’Ivoire in the African play-off, with the winner progressing to the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental play-offs.

The quarter-final began at a frantic pace, with Ghana making the brighter start.

Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah gave the Black Queens the lead after just seven minutes, finishing clinically to put Kim Lars Björkegren’s side in front.

Malawi responded almost immediately.

Captain and star forward Temwa Chawinga levelled five minutes later, firing the Scorchers back into the contest and setting the stage for another dramatic encounter.

The equaliser sparked an open battle, with both sides creating chances as they chased the decisive advantage.

Ghana thought they had regained the lead shortly after half-time when Doris Boaduwaa found the net, but the goal was disallowed following a VAR review.

That decision proved crucial as Malawi grew increasingly dangerous.

The Black Queens introduced Princella Adubea, Wasila Mohammed and Princess Marfo in an attempt to unlock the Malawi defence, but the Scorchers remained organised and dangerous on the counter.

Their pressure eventually paid off in the 79th minute.

Rose Kadzere found space inside the Ghana penalty area and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to put Malawi ahead for the first time.

Ghana pushed desperately for an equaliser in the closing stages, knowing that another goal would force extra time, but Malawi held firm to secure a famous victory.

The triumph represents another landmark moment for Malawian women’s football.

Making their first appearance at the WAFCON, the Scorchers have surpassed expectations by reaching the semi-finals and qualifying for their first-ever Women’s World Cup.

Coach Lovemore Fazili had urged his players to take the tournament “one step at a time”, while captain Tabitha Chawinga had highlighted the importance of the campaign for women’s football in Malawi.

That belief has now produced history.

After overcoming some of Africa’s most established women’s football nations, Malawi have emerged as one of the continent’s biggest stories and will now contest the WAFCON semi-finals with a place in the final firmly in their sights.