In a stunning upset, Malawi emerged as the surprise qualifiers for the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and secured a spot in the World Cup. They accomplished this feat by rallying from behind to defeat Ghana 2-1 on Sunday in Morocco.
Event Context
Malawi and Ghana faced off in the WAFCON quarter-finals, with Ghana initially taking the lead just seven minutes in when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah scored with a volley. However, Malawi struck back five minutes later as Temwa Chawinga’s shot was deflected into the net, bringing the match level. Despite a late push from Ghana, they were unable to threaten a comeback in the match.
On Wednesday, Malawi will advance to the semi-finals to compete against Algeria in Casablanca, while hosts Morocco will face Cameroon in Rabat. Notably, none of these teams have ever won the WAFCON previously.
All four teams that reach the semi-finals will secure spots in the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, while those who lost in the quarter-finals will have another chance through African and inter-continental play-offs.
Malawi arrived at the WAFCON as the lowest-ranked team at 153rd in the world, having never qualified for this prestigious African women’s football tournament before. In contrast, Ghana, having been runners-up three times, holds a ranking 62 spots higher than Malawi. However, as the quarter-final progressed, the possibility of an upset grew.
Earlier in the day in Casablanca, Cameroon surprised everyone with a 1-0 victory over defending champions Nigeria, thanks to a goal from Myriam Nyadjou from a free-kick. Nigeria’s six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, was brought on too late to make a difference, and Cameroon successfully held on for their second win over Nigeria in 14 WAFCON meetings. As the final whistle blew, Cameroon’s substitutes and coaches rushed the pitch to celebrate with the Indomitable Lionesses.
Player Focus
In the 79th minute in Rabat, Malawi took the lead as Rose Kadzere made a stunning run into the penalty area, firing a shot past goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan. The Malawian team made headlines by shocking the 10-time WAFCON champions, Nigeria, in their opening match before going on to defeat Egypt. Although they suffered a loss against Zambia, they topped their group due to superior goal difference.
Kadzere’s impressive strike occurred just 19 minutes into the match, as she blasted a rising shot into the corner of the net, evading goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. In the dying moments, Nigeria pushed hard for an equalizer but was repeatedly thwarted by the outstanding goalkeeping of Michaely Bihina.
The Super Falcons came closest to scoring during the third minute of stoppage time when Esther Okoronkwo managed to outpace Bihina for possession. However, her shot rolled just wide of the target.
