Malawi’s Scorchers have made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Ghana’s Black Queens 2–1 in a dramatic quarter-final encounter.
The victory also secured Malawi’s place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, marking the country’s first-ever qualification for the global tournament.
For Ghana, the defeat ends their hopes of reaching the WAFCON semi-finals, but their World Cup dream is not yet over.
Ghana Strike First
The Black Queens made an excellent start to the quarter-final.
In the 7th minute, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah put Ghana ahead, giving the Black Queens a 1–0 lead and putting Malawi under immediate pressure.
Ghana looked confident after taking the lead, but Malawi gradually settled into the match.
Temwa Chawinga Restores Parity
Malawi responded strongly and found their equaliser in the 27th minute.
Star forward Temwa Chawinga scored to bring the Scorchers level at 1–1, giving Malawi renewed belief and setting up a tense second half.
The two teams went into the halftime break level.
Ghana Have a Goal Ruled Out
The Black Queens thought they had regained the lead after Doris Boaduwaa found the back of the net.
However, following a VAR review, the goal was ruled out, leaving the score at 1–1.
The decision proved significant as both teams continued to fight for the decisive goal.
Kadzere Sends Malawi Into History
Malawi eventually produced the winning moment in the 79th minute.
Rose Smith Kadzere scored to put the Scorchers 2–1 ahead, sending the Malawian players and supporters into celebration.
Ghana pushed forward desperately in search of an equaliser, but Malawi held firm until the final whistle.
Goalscorers
- 7′ – Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah (Ghana)
- 27′ – Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
- 79′ – Rose Smith Kadzere (Malawi)
Malawi Qualify for Their First Women’s World Cup
The victory is historic for Malawi.
By reaching the WAFCON semi-finals, the Scorchers have automatically qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
It will be Malawi’s first appearance at a Women’s World Cup, making their achievement one of the biggest stories of WAFCON 2026.
Ghana’s World Cup Dream Is Still Alive
Although Ghana have been eliminated from the WAFCON, the Black Queens’ journey towards the 2027 Women’s World Cup is not necessarily finished.
Ghana can still pursue qualification through the CAF playoff pathway for teams that did not reach the WAFCON semi-finals.
This means the Black Queens will have another opportunity to fight for a place at the global tournament.
Final Thoughts
Malawi’s 2–1 victory over Ghana will go down as one of the most significant results in the country’s women’s football history.
Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah gave Ghana an early lead, but Temwa Chawinga equalised before Rose Smith Kadzere completed Malawi’s comeback in the 79th minute.
For Malawi, the victory brings a historic first-ever Women’s World Cup qualification and a place in the WAFCON semi-finals.
For Ghana, the disappointment of quarter-final elimination is softened by the fact that the road to the 2027 Women’s World Cup remains open.
