In a stunning upset at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, debutants Malawi triumphed over Ghana with a score of 2-1, securing their place in the semi-finals and earning a historic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. This victory marks a significant milestone for Malawi, who are participating in the tournament for the first time.

Malawi's Remarkable Journey

The Scorchers have captivated fans throughout the tournament, showcasing their potential with a series of impressive performances. They began their campaign with a thrilling 3-2 win against defending champions Nigeria, followed by a solid 3-1 victory over Egypt. Despite a setback in their final group match against Zambia, where they lost 2-1, Malawi finished at the top of Group C, allowing them to advance to the knockout stage.

Malawi's quarter-final match against Ghana was anticipated to be a significant challenge, given Ghana's experience in women's football. The Black Queens had reached this stage after finishing second in Group D, where they began with a 2-0 win over Cape Verde, followed by a narrow defeat to Cameroon and a draw with Mali.

Kadzere's Heroics

The decisive moment of the match came from Rose Kadzere, who scored the winning goal in the second half, sealing Malawi's historic victory. This win not only propelled Malawi into the semi-finals for the first time but also ensured their spot as one of Africa's four representatives at the upcoming World Cup.

For Ghana, the defeat marked the end of their aspirations for both the semi-finals and World Cup qualification, despite their rich history in the tournament. Malawi's journey has transformed them from newcomers into a formidable force in African women's football, making their debut at the Women’s AFCON one of the most remarkable stories of the competition.