Malawi have reached their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after defeating Algeria 3-1, while Cameroon edged Morocco on penalties to set up a historic title clash on Sunday.
Tabitha Chawinga was the star for Malawi, scoring twice after her sister Temwa Chawinga had added another to give the tournament debutants a commanding lead. Ikram Adjabi pulled one back for Algeria, but Tabitha completed her brace in the 76th minute to seal Malawi’s place in the final.
The result was even more impressive considering Malawi are ranked 153rd in the world and are competing at WAFCON for the first time. Algeria’s Morgane Belkhiter was sent off in the 23rd minute, while Malawi also finished the match with 10 players after Rose Kadzere was dismissed.
Cameroon needed a penalty shootout to overcome hosts Morocco after a goalless 120 minutes. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina became the hero, saving three Moroccan penalties, while Myriam Maéva Nyadjou converted the decisive kick to secure a 3-1 shootout victory.
Morocco had dominated possession during regulation time and were awarded a penalty in extra time after a VAR review, but Bihina saved Fatima Tagnaout’s effort to keep Cameroon alive.
All four semifinalists — Malawi, Cameroon, Algeria and Morocco — have qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Malawi and Algeria will make their World Cup debuts, while Cameroon returns after appearances in 2015 and 2019.
Meanwhile, Nigeria will face South Africa and Ghana will meet Côte d’Ivoire in the WAFCON placement matches, with the winners earning places in the intercontinental World Cup playoff.
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