In a dramatic upset at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, Malawi secured their first-ever FIFA World Cup qualification by defeating Ghana 2-1 in Morocco on Sunday. The world-ranked 153rd team came from behind after falling behind early in the match, with goals from Temwa Chawinga and Rose Kadzere ultimately proving decisive. Despite Ghana’s late pressure, the African underdogs held firm to advance to the semifinals.
Malawi’s remarkable tournament run has already included victories against record 10-time WAFCON champions Nigeria and Egypt, establishing them as genuine contenders despite pre-tournament skepticism. The team will now face Algeria in Wednesday’s semifinal in Casablanca, seeking to continue their improbable journey.
Elsewhere, defending champions Nigeria crashed out following a 1-0 quarterfinal loss to Cameroon in Casablanca. Myriam Nyadjou’s free-kick goal in the 19th minute proved enough for the Indomitable Lionesses, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina making crucial saves to preserve the victory. Nigeria’s introduction of six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala in the closing stages failed to salvage their title defense.
All four semifinalists have secured spots at the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. Morocco faces Cameroon in the other semifinal, with neither team having previously won the continental championship.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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