Malawi make history as Black Queens’ WAFCON Dream End
Malawi have written a new chapter in African women’s football after defeating Ghana 2-1 to reach the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and secure a historic place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Scorchers, appearing at the WAFCON for the first time, produced a remarkable comeback in Morocco to eliminate the Black Queens and guarantee Malawi a place on the global stage for the first time.
For Ghana, however, the defeat represents another painful setback. The Black Queens had entered the tournament hoping to end their long wait for a maiden WAFCON title, but their campaign has now ended in the quarter-finals.
Ghana had taken the lead as early as the seventh minute when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah capitalised on a loose clearance inside the Malawi area. The forward struck a powerful volley that gave the Malawian defence no chance and handed Ghana an early advantage.
The Black Queens almost extended their lead moments later when Evelyn Badu found herself on the end of a dangerous cross. However, she failed to make sufficient contact with her header, allowing the opportunity to go harmlessly wide.
Malawi needed only five minutes to respond. Temwa Chawinga, already one of the outstanding performers of the tournament, saw her effort take a heavy deflection before changing direction and beating Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan.
Malawi turn the game around
The equaliser gave Malawi renewed confidence, and they gradually grew into the contest. Their movement and passing caused Ghana problems, particularly as the Black Queens struggled to maintain sustained attacking pressure.
Both sides went into the break level, but Ghana appeared to have regained the lead shortly after the restart when Doris Boaduwaa found the net.
The celebrations were short-lived, however, as VAR intervened and the goal was disallowed for offside against Alice Kusi, keeping Malawi in the contest.
Rather than allowing the setback to derail them, the Scorchers continued to play with composure. Their ability to move the ball through Ghana’s midfield and attack with purpose contrasted with the Black Queens’ increasing reliance on long passes.
That approach ultimately proved costly for Ghana.
With twelve minutes remaining, Malawi completed the turnaround. A flowing team move created space for Rose Kadzere, who showed excellent composure to get beyond Susan Ama Duah before sliding a low finish underneath the advancing goalkeeper Konlan.
Ghana were unable to find another response as Malawi protected their advantage to claim one of the most significant victories in the country’s women’s football history.
The achievement is even more remarkable given Malawi’s status as WAFCON debutants. By reaching the last four, they have guaranteed one of Africa’s direct places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Malawi have therefore gone from continental debutants to World Cup qualifiers in the space of one tournament, becoming the first Malawian national team at any level to reach a FIFA World Cup.
Ghana face another route to the World Cup
While their WAFCON title ambitions have been extinguished, Ghana’s World Cup hopes remain alive.
The Black Queens will now compete in the playoff involving the four teams eliminated in the quarter-finals. Ghana are scheduled to meet Côte d’Ivoire, with victory keeping their hopes of returning to the World Cup alive.
The two playoff winners will advance to the FIFA Play-Off Tournament, where they will join teams from other confederations competing for the remaining World Cup places.
That route gives Ghana another opportunity to end their absence from the women’s global showpiece. The Black Queens have not qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup since their last appearance in 2007.
Malawi, meanwhile, will turn their attention to an historic semi-final against Algeria. Both teams are chasing a place in the WAFCON final for the first time, meaning whichever side advances will create another landmark moment.
The other semi-final will see hosts Morocco face Cameroon.
For Ghana, the immediate challenge is no longer continental supremacy but World Cup survival. Their defeat to Malawi has closed one door, but another remains open.
The Black Queens must now regroup quickly and win their playoff if they are to finally return to the world stage after almost two decades away.