Malawi reach first-ever WAFCON final after 3-1 win over Algeria
Malawi have reached their first-ever Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final after defeating Algeria 3-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Rabat, Morocco.
The Scorchers secured a historic victory at the Olympic Stadium to continue their impressive run at their debut appearance in the continental tournament.
The result also means Malawi, who have already qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will contest their first WAFCON final.
The semi-final was a physical contest, with both Malawi and Algeria reduced to 10 players after receiving red cards in the first half.
Malawi were shown the first red card early in the match before Algeria also lost a player about 20 minutes later as tensions increased.
Despite the numerical disadvantage on both sides, Malawi remained composed and eventually established control to secure a 3-1 victory.
Neither Malawi nor Algeria had previously reached a WAFCON final.
The victory makes Malawi the seventh different nation to reach the final since the competition adopted its current format in 1998.
The Scorchers had already made history by reaching the semi-finals on their debut, a run that secured their qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Malawi booked their place in the last four after beating Ghana 2-1 in the quarter-finals.
That victory guaranteed the Scorchers a place at their first-ever Women’s World Cup, adding another milestone to their debut WAFCON campaign.
Their victory over Algeria has now taken that campaign further, with Malawi set to compete for the continental title in their first appearance at the tournament.
