By Burnett Munthali
Malawi have reached the semi-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after coming from behind to beat Ghana 2-1 in Morocco.
The result also means Malawi have qualified for the 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup, securing a place at the global tournament for the first time in the country’s history.
Ghana took the lead after seven minutes when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah scored to give the Black Queens an early advantage.
Malawi responded five minutes later, with Temwa Chawinga finding the equaliser to bring the Scorchers back into the game.
The sides remained level for much of the match before Rose Kadzere put Malawi ahead in the 79th minute.
Ghana were unable to find a second goal as Malawi defended their lead to secure a place in the last four.
The victory is a significant achievement for Malawi, who are competing at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
Their progress in Morocco has now gone beyond a historic debut, with the team having secured both a semi-final place and qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
Ghana, who have considerably more experience of major international competitions, will leave the tournament after a quarter-final defeat that saw them surrender an early lead.
For Malawi, attention now turns to the semi-finals, with the Scorchers two matches away from potentially winning their first major continental title.
The team will also begin preparing for their first appearance at the Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027.
