Malawi’s fairytale run reaches WAFCON final

JOHANNESBURG – MALAWI’S Scorchers have transformed a tournament debut into one of the greatest fairytales in African women’s football, reaching the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco and moving within one victory of continental glory.

The final will be played on Sunday at Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, where Malawi will face Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses.

For Malawi, simply reaching this stage is historic.

They are the first WAFCON debutants since Zimbabwe in 2000 to reach the semi-finals and, having beaten Algeria 3-1, have now become the first debutants since the inaugural 1998 tournament to reach the final.

Their journey has been remarkable.

The Scorchers opened against defending champions Nigeria, then overcame Egypt before suffering a 2-1 defeat to neighbours Zambia.

In the quarter-finals, they produced a stirring comeback against Ghana, recovering from an early deficit to win 2-1 and secure both a semi-final place and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Against Algeria, Malawi went further, winning 3-1 to book their first continental final.

Their campaign has been built on courage, attacking ambition and an ability to respond when placed under pressure.

The greatest threat to Cameroon will undoubtedly be the Chawinga sisters. Temwa Chawinga has scored four goals and contributed two assists, giving her six goal involvements, while her sister Tabitha Chawinga provides additional attacking experience and creativity.

Temwa has scored in three of Malawi’s four matches, with the team winning each time.

Cameroon, however, will provide a formidable test.

The Indomitable Lionesses eliminated record 10-time champions Nigeria 1-0 before holding hosts Morocco to a goalless draw and winning 3-1 on penalties.

Goalkeeper Michaely Kyria Bihina has been particularly influential, while Cameroon’s disciplined defence could frustrate Malawi’s attacking game.

The statistics suggest a fascinating contest.

Malawi have scored nine goals, more than any remaining finalist, but have also conceded six and are yet to keep a clean sheet.

Cameroon, meanwhile, have conceded only twice in their last two knockout matches.

Malawi’s route makes them genuine contenders, although Cameroon’s defensive resilience and knockout experience could give the Lionesses an edge.

If Temwa and Tabitha can exploit spaces, while Malawi tighten their defence, the Scorchers have every reason to believe.

Victory would be transformative.

Malawi would celebrate its first WAFCON title, while Southern Africa would have another remarkable football success story to embrace.

For the Scorchers, Sunday represents more than a final: it is an opportunity to turn an extraordinary debut into African football history.

– CAJ News