Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world and making their debut in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), continued their remarkable run by beating Algeria 3-1 on Wednesday, August 13, 2026, in Rabat. The victory was powered by the Chawinga sisters, with Captain Tabitha Chawinga scoring twice, including an overhead kick in the 33rd minute and a solo goal after 76 minutes, and Temwa Chawinga adding a goal just into added time.
Malawi took advantage of Algeria’s Morgane Belkhiter receiving a red card midway through the first half, which helped them build a 2-0 lead by halftime. However, Malawi was also reduced to 10 players when Rose Kadzere was sent off for a studs-up tackle just before the break. Algeria managed to pull one goal back through Ikram Adjabi in the 60th minute but could not overcome the deficit.
Malawi will face Cameroon in the final after Cameroon defeated hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time. Algeria will compete against Morocco in the third-place playoff on Saturday.
Malawi’s achievement is notable as they are ranked 116 places below pre-tournament favorites and record 10-time champions Nigeria, who were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
In the other semi-final, Cameroon’s goalkeeper Michaely Bihina, who switched from being a forward due to her height advantage, was instrumental in their victory.
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