Malawi’s Scorchers into historical WAFCON finals

RABAT-(MaraviPost)-Malawi women football team, the Scorchers have made into 2026 WAFCON finals for the first time in the history after beating Algeria 3-1.

The Scorchers produced a historic performance to reach the WAFCON final during their first-ever appearance at the continental tournament.

Malawi started the match strongly but Algeria were dealt a major blow in the 22nd minute when Moragane Belkhiter was shown a red card following a VAR review for a foul on Tabitha Chawinga.

The Scorchers immediately increased the pressure and were rewarded in the 34th minute when Tabitha Chawinga opened the scoring to give Malawi a 1-0 lead.

Malawi continued to control the game and looked increasingly dangerous as the first half approached its conclusion.

In the 45th minute, Temwa Chawinga doubled the Scorchers’ advantage, sending Malawi into the break with a commanding 2-0 lead.

The first half ended with more drama when Malawi were reduced to 10 players after Rose Kabzere was sent off following a VAR review.

Algeria returned from the break determined to fight back and pulled one goal back in the 61st minute to make it 2-1.

But the Scorchers refused to surrender their advantage and continued to threaten whenever they moved forward.

Their persistence paid off in the 76th minute when Tabitha Chawinga scored her second goal of the night to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion at 3-1.

Algeria pushed hard in the closing stages, but Malawi defended their advantage with determination to secure a famous victory.

The result completes a remarkable journey that began with Malawi stunning defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening WAFCON match.

The Scorchers then beat Egypt 3-1 before suffering their only defeat of the tournament so far, a 2-1 loss to Zambia.

Malawi responded with a 2-1 against Ghana before producing another outstanding performance against Algeria to book their place in the final.

For a team appearing at the WAFCON finals for the first time, reaching the final is a historic achievement and a testament to the Scorchers’ resilience throughout the tournament.

The Scorchers are expected to face the winners between Morocco and Cameroon in the finals.

Lloyd M’bwana

I’m a Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resource (LUANAR)’s Environmental Science graduate (Malawi) and UK’s ICM Journalism and Media studies scholar. Also University of Malawi (UNIMA) Library Science Scholar. I have been The Malawi Country Manager and duty editor for the Maravi Post since 2019. My duty editor’s job is to ensure that the news is covered properly, that it is delivered on time, and that it is created to the standards set out in the editorial guidelines of the Maravi Post.