WAFCON 2026: I have respect for Ghana despite our win – Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili

Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili has praised Ghana for their performance despite the Scorchers securing a historic 2-1 victory over the Black Queens in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Malawi reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history after Rose Kadzere scored the decisive second-half goal in Rabat on Sunday.

The victory also secured the Scorchers’ qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, marking their first appearance at the global tournament.

Despite the significance of the achievement, Fazili was quick to acknowledge Ghana’s quality and the familiarity between the two teams.

Malawi had faced Ghana in two friendly international matches before the tournament, giving the Scorchers an understanding of their opponents ahead of the crucial quarter-final.

Speaking after the match, Fazili said Ghana deserved respect for their quality and experience.

“Yeah, first of all, I think as a coach, together with my technical panel, I have to give respect to Ghana. And to be honest with you, we have played almost two friendly international matches with Ghana, last year and this year. So, respect to them.”

The Black Queens took the lead through Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah before Malawi fought back to level the contest and eventually complete their comeback.

The defeat ended Ghana’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals but leaves them with another route to the World Cup through the African play-off against Côte d’Ivoire.

Malawi will now face Algeria in the semi-finals.