Malawi’s Scorchers have made history, reaching the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final for the first time ever after defeating Algeria 3–1 in a thrilling semi-final on Wednesday.
The result caps a remarkable tournament for Malawi, who have already secured their place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Now, the Scorchers are just one victory away from becoming African champions.
Tabitha Chawinga Puts Malawi Ahead
Malawi took control of the semi-final in the 33rd minute when star forward Tabitha Chawinga found the back of the net.
Her goal gave the Scorchers a 1–0 lead and put Algeria under pressure.
Temwa Doubles Malawi’s Lead
Malawi then struck again just before halftime.
In the 45+1st minute, Temwa Chawinga scored to give Malawi a commanding 2–0 advantage heading into the break.
The Chawinga sisters were once again at the heart of Malawi’s attacking threat.
Algeria Pull One Back
Algeria came out strongly after the break and managed to reduce the deficit.
In the 60th minute, Ikram Adjabi scored for Algeria, bringing the score to 2–1 and giving the Algerians hope of completing a comeback.
Tabitha Seals Historic Victory
Malawi, however, were not finished.
In the 76th minute, Tabitha Chawinga scored her second goal of the match to restore Malawi’s two-goal advantage.
The goal effectively ended Algeria’s hopes of reaching the final and sparked wild celebrations among the Malawian players and supporters.
Goalscorers
- 33′ – Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
- 45+1′ – Temwa Chawinga (Malawi)
- 60′ – Ikram Adjabi (Algeria)
- 76′ – Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi)
Malawi Make History
The victory is a landmark moment for Malawian women’s football.
The Scorchers have reached their first-ever WAFCON final, an extraordinary achievement after entering the tournament without the same pedigree as many of Africa’s traditional women’s football powers.
Malawi have already secured their first-ever qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and they now have the opportunity to go one step further and win the biggest prize in African women’s football.
The Chawinga Sisters Shine Again
The victory also highlighted the extraordinary contribution of sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga.
Tabitha scored twice, while Temwa added another as the sisters once again played a central role in Malawi’s historic run.
Their performances have become one of the major stories of WAFCON 2026.
Algeria’s Historic Run Ends
For Algeria, the defeat ends an impressive campaign.
The North Africans had already made history by reaching the WAFCON semi-finals and securing their place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Although they will not contest the final, their performance in Morocco represents a major step forward for Algerian women’s football.
Final Thoughts
Malawi’s 3–1 victory over Algeria will go down as one of the greatest moments in the country’s women’s football history.
Tabitha Chawinga’s two goals and Temwa Chawinga’s strike carried the Scorchers into their first-ever WAFCON final.
From qualifying for their first Women’s World Cup to reaching their first continental final, Malawi’s remarkable journey is not over yet.
One more match. One more opportunity. One chance to make history again.
The Scorchers are now 90 minutes away from becoming African champions.
