Online Reporter
Malawi completed one of the greatest stories in the history of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Ghana 2-1 on Sunday to secure a historic place in the semifinals and qualify for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 for the first time.
A dramatic second-half winner from Rose Kadzere capped another unforgettable night for the tournament debutants, whose remarkable run continued after earlier victories over defending champions Nigeria and Egypt in the group stage.
Having topped Group C on their maiden appearance, the Scorchers have now become one of only a handful of debutants to reach the semifinals of the Women’s AFCON, while simultaneously booking one of Africa’s four automatic places at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.
For Ghana, the defeat was a bitter blow to their hopes of returning to the global finals for the first time since 2007.
However, the Black Queens remain in contention for a World Cup place and will now face Ivory Coast in the African playoff, with the winner advancing to the FIFA Women’s World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
The quarterfinal had been billed as one of the most evenly balanced contests of the tournament.
Malawi entered the match full of confidence after an outstanding group-stage campaign, while Ghana hoped their greater experience in knockout football would prove decisive.
The Black Queens made the brighter start.
Just seven minutes into the contest, Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah finished clinically to hand Ghana an early lead and briefly put Kim Lars Björkegren’s side on course for a return to the last four.
But Malawi’s response was swift and emphatic.
Five minutes later, captain and star forward Temwa Chawinga once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of Africa’s finest attackers, drawing the Scorchers level in the 12th minute to ignite celebrations among the Malawian supporters.
The equaliser transformed the contest into an open and fiercely competitive encounter, with both teams creating opportunities while remaining aware that a place in the semifinals — and the World Cup — was at stake.
The second half continued at a relentless pace.
Ghana believed they had regained the lead shortly after the restart when Doris Boaduwaa found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR review.
It proved to be one of the defining moments of the match.
Despite introducing fresh attacking options, including Princella Adubea, Wasila Mohammed and Princess Marfo, Ghana struggled to break down a disciplined Malawi defence.
The Scorchers, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the counterattack through the pace and movement of the Chawinga sisters – SuperSport.
