WAFCON 2026: Malawi beat Egypt to boost quarter-final hopes

Temwa Chawinga inspired Malawi to a convincing 3-1 win over Egypt, a result that moved the Scorchers closer to the WAFCON 2026 quarter-finals.

Malawi are now on six points from two matches and finish Group C against Zambia next week, while Egypt remain under pressure with qualification still in doubt.

Egypt created the first chance when Christina Salama missed the target early on, but Malawi soon took control. Chawinga first tested the goalkeeper with a powerful effort before setting up Rose Kadzere for the opener in the 35th minute. Faith Chinzimu then reacted quickest to a saved header and volleyed home to make it 2-0 before half-time.

Egypt found some hope after the break when Malawi were reduced to ten players following Rose Alufandika’s red card for a foul on Habiba Hafez. Even then, Malawi stayed dangerous on the counter and Chawinga made it 3-0 in the 68th minute with a looping header from another Kadzere pass. Substitute Eman Kassem quickly replied for Egypt, but the North Africans could not break through again.

Malawi had 58% possession, 22 shots, 10 on target and 14 corners. Egypt managed 42% possession, 15 shots, five on target and one corner.