Malawi and Algeria battle for WAFCON final place

Malawi will face Algeria in the semi-finals of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, with both sides aiming to take another step towards continental glory.

The semi-final is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 local time in Morocco (17:00 GMT), with a place in Sunday’s final at stake.

Malawi have emerged as one of the surprise packages of the tournament after producing a series of impressive performances to reach the last four. Their run has raised expectations around the team, which will now look to make history by reaching the final of Africa’s premier women’s football competition.

Standing in their way is an Algeria side that has also negotiated a demanding route to the semi-finals. The North Africans will be determined to build on their quarter-final success and secure a place in the title decider.

The match also carries significance beyond the fight for the WAFCON trophy. By reaching the semi-finals, both Malawi and Algeria have already secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

That achievement provides an added incentive for the two teams, but attention will now turn firmly to the battle for a place in the final.

Malawi will hope their momentum can carry them past Algeria, while the North Africans will rely on their tournament experience and competitive edge to reach the final.

The winner in Rabat will advance to Sunday’s WAFCON final, where they will meet either hosts Morocco or Cameroon.

Morocco and Cameroon will contest the second semi-final later on Wednesday, setting up the possibility of a final featuring the hosts if Morocco can overcome their opponents.

With a place in the final and the chance to compete for the continental crown at stake, Malawi and Algeria know there is little margin for error when they meet under the lights in Rabat.

For Malawi, victory would cap a remarkable tournament run and take them to their first WAFCON final. For Algeria, reaching the final would represent another major milestone in their progress on the African stage.

The Olympic Stadium is therefore set for a closely contested semi-final, with both teams already assured of a place at the 2027 Women’s World Cup but now focused on earning the right to play for the WAFCON title on Sunday.