by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – MALAWI have gone from little-known debutants to the most astonishing story of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and their latest victory has sent shockwaves across the continent.
The Scorchers stunned Ghana 2–1 at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on Sunday.
Ghana struck first through Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah after seven minutes, but Malawi responded through the outstanding Temwa Chawinga in the 12th minute.
Rose Kadzere then completed a remarkable comeback in the 79th minute.
For a side making its WAFCON debut, Malawi’s achievement is extraordinary.
The Chawinga sisters have supplied star quality, while the team’s resilience and refusal to panic when behind have become defining characteristics.
Malawi now face Algeria in Wednesday’s semi-final, with a place in the final and the 2027 Women’s World Cup at stake.
Cameroon also produced a seismic result at Casablanca’s Stade Larbi Zaouli, defeating defending champions Nigeria 1–0.
Teenage defender Maéva Nyadjou scored the decisive goal, while goalkeeper Michaely Bihina produced a magnificent performance to keep the Super Falcons at bay.
Earlier, Morocco strengthened their credentials by beating South Africa 2–1 at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan.
Sakina Ouzraoui and Hanane Aït El Haj scored for the hosts, with Thembi Kgatlana replying for Banyana Banyana.
Algeria completed the other quarter-final comeback, overturning Côte d’Ivoire’s early advantage to win 2–1 at Stade Moulay Rachid in Casablanca.
The victory sends Algeria into their first WAFCON semi-final.
The semi-finals now offer fascinating possibilities: Morocco meet Cameroon, while Algeria tackle Malawi.
Morocco’s home advantage, attacking quality and experience make them serious contenders, while Cameroon’s defensive organisation gives them a genuine chance of reaching the final.
Algeria are arguably the tournament’s dark horses, but Malawi are the team nobody wants to face.
Their belief is growing with every match, and the Chawinga sisters provide the cutting edge required in knockout football.
Morocco remain the safest bet for the title, but Malawi have already proved that predictions mean very little in this tournament.
If the Scorchers defeat Algeria, their fairytale could become African football history.
– CAJ News