In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Malawi's Chawinga sisters once again took center stage, leading their team, the Scorchers, to a stunning 3-1 triumph over Algeria in the semi-finals of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) held in Rabat. This remarkable victory not only secured their place in the final but also continued their fairy tale journey in the tournament, where they have proven to be formidable contenders despite being the lowest-ranked team participating in Morocco.
Malawi, making their WAFCON debut, has already created waves by defeating traditional football powerhouses, including Nigeria and Ghana, and now they can add Algeria to their impressive list of scalps. However, the scoreline does not fully encapsulate the intensity of the match, which featured a frenetic pace and a plethora of missed opportunities from both sides. The first half witnessed two red cards, both prompted by the intervention of the video assistant referee (VAR), highlighting the match's high stakes and competitive spirit.
The turning point came in the 33rd minute when Tabitha Chawinga, the elder of the Chawinga sisters, broke the deadlock with a spectacular overhead kick that rebounded off the crossbar, ultimately crossing the goal line due to its backspin. This goal was a testament to her exceptional skill and ability to perform under pressure. Shortly before halftime, Temwa Chawinga doubled the lead just as the first half added time commenced, putting the Scorchers in a commanding position. However, the match took another twist when Rose Kadzere received a red card following a VAR review for a dangerous challenge, leaving the team with ten players.
Despite being reduced in numbers, Malawi's resolve remained strong, and although Algeria's Ikram Adjabi managed to score and briefly rekindle hopes of a comeback, Tabitha Chawinga sealed the match with her second goal, demonstrating the Chawinga sisters' critical role in the team's success. With their victory, the Scorchers are set to face Cameroon in the final, which is scheduled for 19:00 GMT on Sunday. Their aim is to become the fourth nation to lift the WAFCON trophy, further solidifying their status as underdogs with an inspiring story.
Malawi's remarkable performance in this expanded 16-team tournament is reshaping the landscape of women's football in Africa, showcasing the emerging talents beyond the established giants. They have made history by being the first debutant team, aside from the inaugural edition in 1998, to reach the final. Additionally, their journey has also booked them a spot in next year's FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil, a significant achievement that speaks volumes about their potential and capabilities.
With both Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga excelling in their respective clubs—Tabitha contributing to OL Lyon's success in France and Temwa securing a second golden boot and MVP award with Kansas City Current—the expectations were high coming into this tournament. Their performance has not only met those expectations but has exceeded them, with the sisters contributing a total of eight goals out of their team's twelve, showcasing their incredible synergy and ability to exploit defensive weaknesses.
Tabitha's breathtaking opener will be remembered as a highlight of the match, illustrating her tactical awareness and skill even from an awkward position. The red card issued to Algeria's Morgane Belkhiter seemed harsh, yet it set the stage for Malawi to capitalize on their numerical advantage. Despite Kadzere's subsequent dismissal, the Scorchers maintained their composure, with the match concluding with Tabitha's decisive goal, which confirmed their win and sent them to the final.
Ranked 153rd in the world, Malawi has taken the WAFCON by storm, and with the final against Cameroon on the horizon, the Chawinga sisters and their teammates will undoubtedly feel confident that they can overcome any challenge that lies ahead.
As reported by bbc.com.
