2026 WAFCON: Malawi reach quarter-finals despite narrow defeat to Zambia

Malawi booked their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Zambia in their final Group C match on Wednesday evening.

The Scorchers advanced on goal difference after a dramatic conclusion to the group, finishing top of the standings ahead of defending champions Nigeria, who defeated Egypt 4-2 in the other Group C fixture.

Zambia made the perfect start, taking the lead inside the opening minute through Barbra Banda. The tournament's leading scorer unleashed a powerful strike from distance to register her fifth goal of the competition.

The Copper Queens continued to threaten and almost doubled their advantage in the 18th minute, but Irene Khumalo's free-kick was parried to safety by the Malawi goalkeeper, Mercy Sikelo.

Their second goal arrived eight minutes before the break when Margaret Belemu cut the ball back from the byline for Prisca Chilufya, who fired home to hand Zambia a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Knowing a goal could prove decisive in the battle for qualification, Malawi emerged after the restart with greater urgency.

Their persistence paid off in the 72nd minute when Tabitha Chawinga skipped past two defenders before drilling a low finish beyond the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit.

The closing stages were evenly contested as both sides created chances, with Zambia continuing to push forward despite holding the lead as goal difference became a crucial factor.

Kabange Mupopo came within inches of adding a third for Zambia late on, only to see her close-range effort come off the woodwork with the goalkeeper beaten.

The final whistle confirmed the Scorchers progression despite the loss, while the Copper Queens see their TotalEnergies CAF WAFCON Morocco 2026 campaign come to an unfortunate end.