Chawinga prioritises Malawi trophy hunt over Golden Boot race

Temwa Chawinga has stated that winning the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations trophy with Malawi is more important to her than winning individual awards. The Scorchers forward currently shares the tournament's top scorer position with Zambia's Barbra Banda.

Speaking after Malawi's semi-final win against Algeria in Rabat, Morocco, Chawinga said her primary objective is helping her team secure the continental title. While she acknowledged that winning the Golden Boot is possible through divine grace, her focus remains on the team's collective success.

Malawi secured their place in the final with a 3-1 victory over Algeria on Wednesday. The match was defined by the performance of the Chawinga sisters, with Tabitha scoring two goals and Temwa adding one. This result ensures Malawi will compete in their first-ever continental final.

Chawinga's goal in the semi-final brought her total to five goals, moving her level with Barbra Banda at the top of the scoring charts. Tabitha Chawinga follows closely with four goals, a tally that matches Ivory Coast's Inés Konan. Cameroon's Marie Ngah Manga currently has three goals.

Malawi will face Cameroon in the final on Sunday. The match offers the Scorchers a chance to become African champions for the first time in their history while providing the Chawinga sisters an opportunity to improve their individual scoring records.