WAFCON 2026: Malawi reach historic final as First Lady celebrates

Malawi reached the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final for the first time after beating Algeria 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final, prompting celebrations from the country’s First Lady, Getrude Mutharika.

The Scorchers produced a landmark performance to secure their place in the final on their first appearance at this stage of the competition.

Their victory over Algeria has put Malawi within one match of winning the biggest prize in African women’s football.

Mutharika congratulated the team after the historic result, describing the achievement as much more than simply a win in a football match.

Malawi make history in Morocco

The Scorchers entered the semi-final knowing that victory would take them into unfamiliar territory, but they overcame Algeria to secure their place in the final.

Their 3-1 win means Malawi will now compete for the Women’s AFCON title, having never previously reached the final.

The result was made possible by an influential contribution from the Chawinga sisters, with Tabitha Chawinga scoring twice and Temwa Chawinga also getting on the scoresheet.

Their goals helped Malawi overcome Algeria in a match that contained several twists and turns before the Scorchers eventually secured their historic victory.

Mutharika celebrates landmark achievement

The achievement prompted an immediate reaction from Malawi’s First Lady, who praised the team on social media following the final whistle.

“Tonight is not just a victory against Algeria; it’s a historic moment ,” she wrote.

Her message reflected the significance of Malawi’s achievement, with the Scorchers now just one match away from potentially becoming African champions.

The team had already made history by reaching the semi-finals, but Wednesday’s victory took their campaign another step further and guaranteed them a place in the final.

The contribution of Tabitha and Temwa was particularly important.

Tabitha’s two goals gave Malawi a decisive attacking threat, while Temwa also found the net as the Scorchers completed a 3-1 victory.

One match from African glory

Mutharika also called on the players to maintain their focus as they prepare for the final.

“We are only 90 minutes away from winning the ultimate prize in African women’s football,” she added.

The message underlined the opportunity now facing the Malawian team.

After eliminating Algeria, the Scorchers have only one more match to complete what would be an extraordinary tournament campaign.

Their opponents in the final will be determined by the second semi-final, which pits hosts Morocco against Cameroon.

Malawi will therefore have to wait for the outcome of that match before discovering who stands between them and the Women’s AFCON trophy.

For now, however, the focus remains on the significance of reaching the final.

Malawi’s first appearance in the competition has already produced a historic achievement, and the Scorchers have now moved within 90 minutes of potentially claiming the ultimate prize.

The 3-1 victory over Algeria has ensured that Malawi’s campaign will end with a place in the final, but the team now has the chance to turn a remarkable run into continental glory.