Malawi have stormed into the final of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time in their history after the Chawinga sisters inspired a stunning 3-1 victory over Algeria in Rabat on Wednesday.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga scored twice, while her younger sister Temwa added another as the tournament outsiders produced one of the competition’s biggest shocks to book their place in Sunday’s final.
The result represents a remarkable achievement for a Malawian side ranked 153rd in the world and positioned 116 places below Nigeria, the record 10-time African champions who were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
Algeria’s hopes suffered a major blow midway through the first half when Morgane Belkhiter was sent off for a foul on the last defender.
Malawi immediately capitalised on their numerical advantage and took control of the contest.
Tabitha broke the deadlock in the 33rd minute with a spectacular overhead kick following a corner, giving Algeria goalkeeper Chloe N’Gazi little chance.
The Flames then doubled their advantage deep into first-half stoppage time when Temwa raced through, rounded N’Gazi and calmly finished to make it 2-0.
But Malawi’s numerical advantage was short-lived.
Rose Kadzere was dismissed for a studs-up challenge just before the interval, leaving both teams to continue with 10 players.
Algeria returned from the break determined to fight their way back into the contest and were rewarded in the 60th minute when Ikram Adjabi reduced the deficit.
The goal raised hopes of an Algerian comeback, but Tabitha had other plans.
The Malawi captain produced another moment of individual brilliance in the 76th minute, embarking on a solo run before finding the net to restore her side’s two-goal cushion.
That strike effectively ended Algeria’s hopes of reaching the final.
Tabitha has now scored four goals at the tournament, while Temwa, who plays her club football in Kansas City, has five goals to her name.
Together, the sisters have emerged as the driving force behind Malawi’s extraordinary run.
Malawi will face either hosts Morocco or Cameroon in Sunday’s final, with the second semi-final scheduled for later on Wednesday.
The championship match will carry an additional incentive, with a record $2 million first prize at stake.
Algeria, meanwhile, will have to regroup for Saturday’s third-place play-off.
Malawi’s achievement also comes with a World Cup reward. By reaching the semi-finals, Malawi, Algeria, Morocco and Cameroon have secured qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
For Malawi, however, the focus will now shift entirely to the biggest match in the country’s women’s football history.
After overcoming the odds, surviving red cards and riding on the brilliance of the Chawinga sisters, the Flames are now one victory away from an unprecedented continental crown.
