Chawinga brilliance sends Malawi into historic 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final

Malawi reached the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after overcoming Algeria 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final, with captain Tabitha Chawinga and her sister Temwa Chawinga leading the way.

The result marks a historic achievement for Malawi, who are appearing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. They will face the winner of the second semi-final between Morocco and Cameroon in the final.

Algeria made the brighter start in the opening stages, with Marine Dafeur and her team-mates looking to impose themselves on the match. However, they struggled to break through a well-organised Malawi defence and were unable to turn their early pressure into clear opportunities.

As the first half progressed, Malawi grew into the contest. The African side became more confident in possession and began to put Algeria’s defence under sustained pressure. Algeria’s situation worsened when Morgane Belkhiter was sent off, leaving her side to continue with 10 players.

Malawi immediately looked to make their numerical advantage count. Tabitha Chawinga and Temwa Chawinga both tested Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi, who produced several important saves to keep the score level.

The breakthrough arrived in the 33rd minute. Algeria failed to clear the danger, allowing Tabitha Chawinga to meet the loose ball with an acrobatic effort and give Malawi the lead.

Temwa Chawinga then came close to doubling the advantage when she found herself unmarked in the penalty area, but her effort struck the crossbar. She was presented with another opportunity in the first minute of added time, and this time made no mistake. Temwa rounded N’Gazi before calmly finishing into an unguarded net to put Malawi 2-0 ahead at half-time.

Algeria attempted to respond before the interval and, although they could not score, they were awarded another boost when Rose Kadzere was dismissed. That decision restored numerical parity for the second half.

With both teams reduced to 10 players, the match became more evenly balanced. Algeria again began the half with greater urgency, applying pressure in the Malawi half and forcing their opponents into a series of fouls.

Their persistence paid off on the hour mark. A free-kick from Marine Dafeur evaded the Malawi defence and reached Ikram Adjabi at the far post. Adjabi struck the ball firmly beyond the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit and give Algeria renewed hope.

Malawi, however, remained determined to complete what would be a landmark run at their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Goalkeeper Merci Sikelo dealt with Algeria’s efforts to level the match, while Malawi’s attack continued to threaten on the counter.

The decisive moment came when Tabitha Chawinga finished a quick break to score her second goal of the match and settle the semi-final. Her late strike ended Algeria’s comeback hopes and confirmed Malawi’s place in the final.