Malawi reach Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final after historic run

Malawi’s remarkable Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign continued as they defeated Algeria 3-1 to reach the final, where they will face Cameroon on Sunday.

The Malawians are competing at the finals for the first time but have already eliminated defending champions Nigeria, Ghana and now Algeria on their way to the showpiece match.

Cameroon secured the other final place by beating hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties after their semi-final finished goalless following extra time.

The final, which will be played in Rabat on Sunday at 21:00 South Africa time, will produce a new African champion. Every previous edition of the continental tournament has been won by one of Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria or South Africa.

Malawi’s latest victory was powered by goals from sisters Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga. Tabitha scored twice, while Temwa was also on target as Malawi established control of the semi-final.

Algeria managed a late consolation through Ikram Adjabi, but Malawi held on to complete another upset and move within one match of the title.

Their run began with a major surprise in the group stage, when they beat defending champions Nigeria in their opening fixture. They then overcame Ghana, another of the tournament’s more fancied sides, in the quarter-finals.

The finals are also serving as the qualifying competition for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four teams that won their quarter-finals secured qualification for the global tournament, meaning both Malawi and Cameroon have already earned their places.

Cameroon’s progress came after a dramatic semi-final against Morocco, who were playing on home soil.

The match remained scoreless through 90 minutes and extra time. Morocco were then awarded a penalty two minutes before the end of extra time following a video assistant referee review.

Fatima Tagnaout was unable to convert, however, with Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina saving the spot-kick to keep the tie level.

Bihina was decisive again in the shootout, stopping three further penalties as Cameroon gained the advantage. Teenager Myriam Nyadjou then showed composure under pressure, converting the decisive kick to send her side into the final.

Cameroon will now meet a Malawi team that has repeatedly upset more established opponents during its debut appearance at the finals.

The two semi-final results mean the tournament’s final will feature two teams seeking their first championship in the competition’s current history. A new name will therefore be added to the list of African champions when the sides meet in Rabat on Sunday.