WAFCON 2026: Malawi survive Zambia scare to book quarter-final place

Malawi secured a place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite losing 2-1 to Zambia in a dramatic conclusion to Group C on Wednesday.

The Scorchers progressed to the knockout stages after finishing level on points with Zambia and defending champions Nigeria, with the final standings decided by the tournament’s tiebreak rules.

Although Zambia claimed victory in Casablanca, the Copper Queens were eliminated, bringing a painful end to their campaign.

Banda strikes early for Zambia

Zambia made the perfect start, taking the lead less than a minute into the contest through captain Barbra Banda.

The tournament’s leading scorer unleashed a powerful effort from long range to score her fifth goal of the competition and give the Copper Queens an early advantage.

Zambia continued to dominate the opening stages and almost doubled their lead midway through the first half, but Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo produced a fine save to deny Irene Khumalo’s free-kick.

The second goal arrived eight minutes before the interval when Margaret Belemu cut the ball back for Prisca Chilufya, who calmly finished to put Zambia firmly in control.

Chawinga sparks Malawi response

With qualification hanging in the balance, Malawi returned for the second half knowing that a goal could prove decisive.

The Scorchers increased the pressure and eventually found a way back into the game in the 72nd minute.

Tabitha Chawinga weaved past two defenders before firing a low shot into the net to reduce the deficit and give Malawi renewed hope.

The goal proved crucial as the group standings shifted once again in a tense finale.

Zambia denied despite victory

The closing minutes saw both sides create opportunities, with Zambia pushing for a third goal that could have transformed the qualification picture.

Kabange Mupopo came agonisingly close to adding another goal late on, only to see her effort strike the woodwork with the goalkeeper beaten.

When the final whistle sounded, Malawi celebrated a place in the quarter-finals despite defeat, while Zambia were left to reflect on a campaign that ended in heartbreak.

The Scorchers finished top of Group C after the tiebreak criteria were applied, edging out Nigeria, who also advanced after defeating Egypt in the group’s other match.

For Zambia, victory on the night was ultimately not enough to extend their stay in Morocco, as the Copper Queens became the highest-scoring team to exit the competition at the group stage.