Malawi Beat Algeria 3-1 to Reach WAFCON Final

Debutants Malawi beat Algeria 3-1 on Wednesday to reach the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in their first appearance at the tournament.

Tabitha Chawinga scored twice and sister Temwa Chawinga once as the world’s 153rd-ranked side continued their run, having eliminated record 10-time champions Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

Malawi will face Cameroon in Sunday’s final after the Indomitable Lions beat hosts Morocco 3-1 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time.

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Algeria’s Morgane Belkhiter was sent off for a foul on the last defender midway through the first half.

“I hope we can play them another time. Maybe we’ll win, but that was a good game.” – Chloe N’Gazi.

Despite their defeat to Malawi at #WAFCON2026, Algeria’s players say the tournament showed the team’s progress and believe their development under the coach has prepared them for… pic.twitter.com/0H3TmSeNik

— News Central TV (@NewsCentralTV) August 12, 2026

Captain Tabitha Chawinga opened the scoring with an overhead kick from a corner on 33 minutes. Her sister Temwa then rounded the goalkeeper to double the lead in first-half added time.

Malawi were also reduced to 10 players when Rose Kadzere was sent off for a studs-up tackle just before the break.

Algeria pulled one goal back through Ikram Adjabi on 60 minutes, but Tabitha Chawinga restored the two-goal advantage with a solo effort after 76 minutes.

WAFCON_Malawi-2 — The Malawi women’s team celebrates their semi-final win against Algeria at the 2026 WAFCON. Photo: cafonline

Kansas City-based Temwa Chawinga has now scored five goals in the tournament, leading the scoring charts. Tabitha, who plays for French club Lyon, has netted four times.

Algeria will face Morocco in the third-place play-off on Saturday.

Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina saved a penalty late in extra time and blocked three consecutive spot-kicks in the shootout.

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Portugal-based Bihina’s saves left Cameroon needing to convert one of their last two penalties, and Myriam Nyadjou scored the winner.

By reaching the semi-finals, Malawi, Algeria, Morocco and Cameroon have all qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Sunday’s final will see Malawi and Cameroon compete for a record $2 million first prize.

Author

Jimisayo Opanuga

Jimisayo Opanuga is a web writer in the Digital Department at News Central TV, where she covers African and international stories. Her reporting focuses on social issues, health, justice, and the environment, alongside general-interest news. She is passionate about telling stories that inform the public and give voice to underreported communities.