WAFCON 2026: Malawi Beat Algeria 3-1 To Reach Final

Malawi continued their remarkable run at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, defeating Algeria 3-1 in Rabat to reach the final of the competition on their debut.

The Scorchers, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the tournament, produced another major upset after previously eliminating African heavyweights Nigeria and Ghana, with the Chawinga sisters once again leading the charge.

The match was a chaotic affair, with both teams creating several chances while two players were sent off in a dramatic first half following VAR interventions.

Algeria were reduced to 10 players when Morgane Belkhiter was shown a red card for denying Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Tabitha then opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with a spectacular overhead kick that struck the crossbar before bouncing down and spinning over the line.

Malawi doubled their advantage in stoppage time when Temwa Chawinga found the net, putting the Scorchers firmly in control before the interval.

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Their advantage in numbers was short-lived, however, as Rose Kadzere was also dismissed before half-time following a VAR review for a dangerous studs-up challenge.

Algeria came out with renewed purpose after the break and were rewarded when Ikram Adjabi pulled a goal back to give the North Africans hope of completing a comeback.

Tabitha Chawinga ended those hopes with her second goal of the night, restoring Malawi’s two-goal advantage and sealing their place in Sunday’s final.

Malawi will face either hosts Morocco or Cameroon in the final on Sunday.