2026 WAFCON: Malawi, Ghana in make or break tie
Malawi, the revelation of this TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026, will face last edition’s bronze medalists, Ghana, this Sunday in Rabat for a place in the illustrious semifinals.
Beyond maintaining a chance to lift the trophy for the very first time, the winner will secure their ticket to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil. This feat gives this matchup a special significance.
In their debut appearance at the WAFCON, the Scorchers have already made a strong impression. After defeating the reigning champions, Nigeria, 3-2 in their opening fixture, and then confirming their solidity throughout the group stages with a 3-1 win over Egypt, they finished top of Group C. Ghana, on the other hand, are no strangers to this kind of competition.
The Black Queens had to fight hard to reach the quarterfinals, but arrive in the semifinals with their ambition undiminished - to return to the World Cup.
“We really want to go back,” insisted Ghanaian goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan Findib at the pre-match press conference. Since their last appearance at the World Cup in 2007, the Black Queens have been waiting to return to the most prestigious international competition.
And this time, the stakes are imminent. In this WAFCON edition, the four quarterfinal winners will qualify automatically for the World Cup in Brazil next year. For the four losers, hope remains through an additional inter-continental qualifying round.
- The Chawingas - the Number One threat
In the Ghanaian camp, it's impossible to prepare for this match without mentioning Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga. The two sisters represent Malawi's main attacking threat and have already significantly contributed to their national team's historic run.
Ghanaian coach Kim Lars Björkgren, however, does not consider Malawi a mere surprise. “They are a very good and hardworking group,” he emphasised, recalling that the two teams had faced each other in a friendly before the competition, in a particularly physical encounter.
The Swedish coach knows above all that he will have to find the right balance.
“We can’t just defend with 11 players,” he explained. His team will have to contain the two strikers while maintaining their identity and ability to be dangerous offensively.
This is an equation that Ghana intends to solve through teamwork. Konlan, the first-choice custodian for the Black Queens, insists on the importance of communication between the defenders.
The 23-year-old FC Smartex goalkeeper believes that her team has the necessary tools to contain the two sisters, provided they stick to the game plan.
Malawi does not want to stop there. The Scorchers have already earned the right to be taken seriously. “We believe in God. We believe in our team,” declared coach Lovemore Fazili, who refuses to look beyond the next match. His message remains true to the one that best describes the Scorchers since their arrival in Morocco - taking it one step at a time.
This approach is also shared by Tabitha, the captain and leading figure of the team. The Lyon player knows what qualifying for the World Cup would mean, for herself, her teammates, and the young players of her country.
"If we beat Ghana, we've qualified for the World Cup," she reminded everyone, aware of the historic significance of the moment.
- A tactical, physical duel
Ghana will have to control the spaces left by the Chawinga sisters without abandoning their own class of play. Björkegren believes that his team has gradually gained momentum since the start of the tournament.
After a sluggish start, the Black Queens showed improvement against Cameroon before delivering, according to their coach, a more complete performance against Mali. The management of the end of matches will also be closely monitored. Ghana acknowledged some errors in the final minutes of their matches, particularly on set pieces. The coach emphasised the need to better manage situations when the team is in a favourable position. Against Malawi, these details could prove decisive
The Scorchers have already demonstrated their ability to punish even the slightest mistake. Their speed in transition, Temwa's power, and Tabitha's intelligence create a particularly difficult combination to contain. But Ghana also boasts a defense that has conceded only two goals since the start of the tournament, a testament to their solidity.
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