Malawi Shock Ghana to Reach WAFCON Semi-Finals and Secure Historic World Cup Place

Malawi have secured a historic place in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-finals and qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after stunning Ghana 2-1 in their quarter-final in Morocco.

Ghana took an early lead after just seven minutes when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah volleyed the ball into the net. Malawi responded almost immediately, equalising five minutes later after a shot from Temwa Chawinga was deflected into the Ghanaian goal.

The match remained closely contested as both sides searched for a decisive goal. Malawi eventually completed their comeback in the 79th minute when Rose Kadzere broke into the penalty area and fired past Ghana goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan.

Ghana pushed forward in search of an equaliser during the closing stages, but Malawi’s defence held firm to secure one of the biggest results in the tournament.

The victory sends Malawi into their first WAFCON semi-final, where they will face Algeria in Casablanca on Wednesday. Hosts Morocco will meet Cameroon in the other semi-final in Rabat.

Malawi entered the tournament as major underdogs. Ranked 153rd in the world and appearing at the WAFCON for the first time, they have already stunned 10-time champions Nigeria and defeated Egypt before losing to Zambia in the group stage.

Their progress has now also earned Malawi a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The four WAFCON semi-finalists qualify automatically, while the teams eliminated in the quarter-finals will have another opportunity through African and intercontinental play-offs.

Earlier on Sunday, Cameroon ended Nigeria’s title defence with a 1-0 quarter-final victory. Myriam Nyadjou scored the only goal in the 19th minute with a powerful free-kick that beat Super Falcons goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.

Nigeria dominated much of the late stages but could not find an equaliser, with Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina making several important saves. Cameroon midfielder Naomi Eto described the victory as an “ugly win” after the Indomitable Lionesses secured only their second victory over Nigeria in 14 WAFCON meetings.

Cameroon will now face hosts Morocco in Wednesday’s semi-final and have also secured automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.