When Malawi arrived at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), they were making their first appearance at the tournament.
They didn’t come as one of Africa’s favourites. In fact, the Scorchers were ranked 153rd in the world and 32nd in Africa before the tournament.
But rankings don’t always tell the whole story.
The Scorchers have turned their historic debut into one of the biggest stories of WAFCON 2026, reaching the final and securing qualification for their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
From Underdogs to Contenders
Malawi’s journey has been a long one. The team made its international debut in 2002 and spent years developing within the COSAFA region.
Their breakthrough came in 2023, when Malawi won the COSAFA Women’s Championship for the first time. Temwa Chawinga was named Player of the Tournament and won the Golden Boot after scoring nine goals.
Their historic WAFCON qualification followed, with Malawi defeating Angola 2–0 in the decisive qualifier.
A Historic WAFCON Campaign
Drawn alongside football giants Nigeria and Zambia, few expected Malawi to go far.
But the Scorchers shocked defending champions Nigeria 3–2, before defeating Egypt and eventually winning their group despite a loss to Zambia.
They then defeated Ghana 2–1 in the quarter-final to secure their place in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Their remarkable run continued with a 3–1 victory over Algeria in the semi-final, sending Malawi into their first WAFCON final.
The Chawinga Sisters
At the heart of Malawi’s success are sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.
Tabitha, the team’s captain, has established herself as one of Africa’s leading forwards, while Temwa has become one of the world’s most exciting women’s footballers.
Together, they have become the faces of Malawi’s remarkable rise.
But the success is not only about the Chawingas. Players such as Faith Chinzimu, Rose Kadzere, Chimwemwe Madise and goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo have also played important roles in the team’s historic campaign.
More Than a Football Story
Malawi’s journey is bigger than reaching a final.
A team ranked 32nd in Africa and 153rd in the world before WAFCON has now reached the continental final and qualified for the Women’s World Cup.
It demonstrates what can happen when women’s football is given greater opportunities, investment and support.
A country that had never qualified for WAFCON is now preparing for its first Women’s World Cup.
Whatever happens in the final, the Scorchers have already changed the story of women’s football in Malawi.
They came to WAFCON as debutants. They leave as history makers.
And perhaps the most exciting part is that their story is only beginning.
Small note: I would use 153rd in the world / 32nd in Africa in the article because those were the rankings reported immediately before WAFCON 2026. Rankings will change after the tournament, so we shouldn’t present a newer number without checking the next official FIFA update.
