Malawi’s Scorchers have reached the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Algeria 3-1 in a thrilling semi-final in Rabat.
The Chawinga sisters once again inspired Malawi, with Tabitha scoring twice while Temwa Chawinga added the other goal as the tournament debutants continued their remarkable run.
Algeria were reduced to 10 players in the first half after Morgane Belkhiter was sent off following a VAR review for denying Tabitha a goalscoring opportunity.
Tabitha then opened the scoring in spectacular fashion in the 33rd minute, finding the net with an acrobatic overhead kick that struck the crossbar before spinning over the line.
Temwa doubled Malawi’s lead in first-half stoppage time, but the Scorchers were also reduced to 10 players before the break when Rose Kadzere was sent off following another VAR review.
Algeria pulled one back through Ikram Adjabi in the 60th minute, but Tabitha sealed Malawi’s victory with her second goal to end Algeria’s comeback hopes.
The victory means Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world, have reached the WAFCON final on their tournament debut and secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Scorchers will face Cameroon in Sunday’s final as they chase a historic first continental title.
