Malawi, Ghana Meet In WAFCON Quarter-Final With World Cup Place At Stake

RABAT, Morocco — Malawi’s surprise run at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations faces its biggest test on Sunday when the Scorchers meet Ghana in a quarter-final that will send the winner to the semi-finals and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The match at Al Medina Stadium brings together one of African women’s football’s established powerhouses and one of the tournament’s most impressive emerging teams. Kick-off is scheduled for 21:00 local time, or 20:00 GMT.

Malawi are appearing at the WAFCON finals for the first time, but have made an immediate impact in Morocco. The Scorchers opened their campaign with a 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria, before beating Egypt 3-1. A 2-1 defeat by Zambia in their final group match did not prevent them from finishing top of Group C.

The victory over Nigeria was particularly significant. Malawi became the first debutant to defeat the 10-time African champions in a WAFCON match, underlining the scale of their progress.

Coach Lovemore Fazili’s team has combined attacking ambition with defensive resilience. Their most prominent figures have been sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, but Malawi’s campaign has also depended on important contributions throughout the squad.

Temwa Chawinga, who plays for Kansas City Current, has scored three goals in the tournament and provides Malawi with pace, movement and a direct threat in the final third. Her sister Tabitha, the national captain and a player for French club OL Lyonnes, adds leadership and creativity.

Experience and explosiveness: Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga lead Malawi’s charge.

Goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo, defenders Ireen Khumalo and Chimwemwe Madise, and midfielders Rose Kabzere and Faith Chimzimu will also be central to Malawi’s hopes of containing Ghana and progressing to the last four.

Ghana, however, will offer Malawi a very different challenge.

The Black Queens are one of the traditional powers of African women’s football. They have finished runners-up at the WAFCON three times but have never won the continental title, and their experience in major tournaments will be valuable in a high-pressure knockout match.

Ghana reached the quarter-finals after drawing 1-1 with Mali. Their campaign has not attracted the same surprise as Malawi’s, but the Black Queens possess the depth and quality to challenge for the title.

Captain Portia Boakye is one of Ghana’s most experienced players and provides leadership in defence. Midfielders Jennifer Cudjoe and Grace Asantewaa bring composure, athleticism and control, while Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah offers attacking quality and experience. Princess Marfo is another forward Malawi’s defence will need to monitor closely.

A leader at the back and a powerhouse for Ghana — Portia Boakye.

Ghana coach Kim Lars Björkegren also has attacking options in Doris Boaduwaa, Princella Adubea, Evelyn Badu and Stella Nyamekye, all of whom were identified among the notable players in his WAFCON squad planning.

The contest is therefore likely to hinge on whether Ghana’s experience can overcome Malawi’s momentum.

Malawi have shown that they are capable of unsettling established opponents, particularly when the Chawinga sisters find space to attack. Ghana, meanwhile, will hope that its midfield can limit Malawi’s transitions and force the debutants to defend for long periods.

The Black Queens’ experience makes them a formidable opponent, but Malawi have already demonstrated that reputation alone will not decide this tournament. Their victory over Nigeria has given the Scorchers belief, while their disciplined performances against Egypt and Zambia secured the group position that brought them to this quarter-final.

For Ghana, victory would keep alive the prospect of a first WAFCON title and confirm their status among Africa’s leading teams. For Malawi, it would represent another landmark achievement in a debut campaign that has already exceeded expectations.

The reward is substantial. The winner will reach the semi-finals and book a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Malawi vs Ghana. WAFCON quarter-final. Venue: Al Medina Stadium, Rabat. Date: Sunday, 9 August 2026. Kick-off: 21:00 local time; 20:00 GMT