Malawi's women's team made history by reaching the semifinals of the African Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON) for the first time, securing a spot at the 2027 Women's World Cup after fighting back to beat Ghana 2-1 in Morocco on July 13.
Ghana took an early lead in the seventh minute through a volley from Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah. However, Malawi needed only five minutes to level the score when a shot from Temwa Chawinga was deflected into the net. In the 79th minute, Rose Kadzere sprinted into the box and finished past goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan to seal the historic victory.
Despite Ghana's late pressure, they could not find an equalizer. The win allowed Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world and competing in WAFCON for the first time, to advance as group winners after shocking Nigeria, beating Egypt and losing only to Zambia.
In the semifinals on July 16, Malawi will face Algeria in Casablanca, while hosts Morocco take on Cameroon in Rabat. All four semifinalists have secured their places at the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Earlier the same day in Casablanca, Cameroon pulled off a major upset by beating defending champions Nigeria 1-0 thanks to a direct free kick from 19-year-old debutant Myriam Nyadjou in the 19th minute. Cameroon goalkeeper Michaely Bihina delivered an outstanding performance with a string of saves, while Nigeria missed a golden chance in the final minute of stoppage time when Esther Okoronkwo shot wide.
Nigeria brought on superstar Asisat Oshoala late in the game, but the Saudi Arabia-based striker did not have enough fitness to make a difference. This was only Cameroon's second victory over Nigeria in 14 WAFCON meetings.
