Debutants Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Ghana 2-1 in a dra
Debutants Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, coming from behind to beat Ghana 2-1 in a dramatic quarter-final at the Al Medina Stadium and, in the process, booking their first-ever appearance at a FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Ghana made the perfect start when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah struck in the seventh minute to give the Black Queens an early lead, raising hopes of a return to the tournament’s last four for Kim Lars Björkegren’s side.
The response from Malawi was almost immediate, however, as captain Temwa Chawinga, one of the standout performers of the tournament, restored parity in the 12th minute to level the contest.
Ghana thought they had retaken the lead early in the second half through substitute Doris Boaduwaa, but the goal was chalked off following a VAR review, a setback that appeared to unsettle the Black Queens.
Björkegren turned to his bench in search of a spark, introducing Princella Adubea, Wasila Mohammed and Princess Marfo, but Malawi’s defence held firm and the Scorchers continued to look dangerous whenever they broke forward through the pace of the Chawinga sisters.
The decisive moment arrived in the 79th minute. Rose Kadzere found space inside the Ghana penalty area and produced a composed finish beyond goalkeeper Cynthia Fiindib to put Malawi ahead for the first time in the match.
Ghana threw players forward in search of an equaliser that would force extra time, but a resolute Malawi rearguard saw out the closing stages to secure a famous victory.
The result sends Malawi into the WAFCON semi-finals in their maiden appearance at the tournament, extending a remarkable run that already included group-stage wins over defending champions Nigeria and Egypt.
It also guarantees the Scorchers a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, a landmark achievement for Malawian football.
For Ghana, the defeat ends their bid for a first WAFCON title and consigns the Black Queens to the African play-off against Ivory Coast, with the winner advancing to FIFA’s inter-confederation play-offs for a final chance to reach Brazil 2027.
Malawi will next face Algeria in the semi-final on August 12 at the Rabat Olympic Stadium.
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