Malawi Scorchers make WAFCON 2026 history despite 3-0 final loss

Malawi’s first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ended with a 3-0 defeat by Cameroon in the final, but the Scorchers leave WAFCON 2026 as runners-up and historic World Cup qualifiers. Their run took them from tournament debutants to one of Africa’s leading women’s teams.

Before the competition, Malawi had never reached the WAFCON finals. Their prospects appeared limited after four defeats and one draw in their five matches before the tournament. They were also placed in Group C with defending champions Nigeria, Zambia and Egypt.

The Scorchers immediately changed expectations by beating Nigeria 3-2 in their opening game. They followed that result with a 3-1 victory over Egypt, confirming their progress was not based on one upset. A 2-1 loss to Zambia then put their route to the knockout stage under pressure, but Malawi advanced to the quarter-finals.

They beat Ghana 2-1 in the last eight, a result that secured Malawi’s first qualification for a FIFA Women’s World Cup by a senior national team. The Scorchers then defeated Algeria 3-1 in the semi-final to reach the final on their first appearance at the continental championship.

Cameroon proved more effective in the decisive match, scoring three times as Malawi fell short of the title. The result left the Scorchers with four wins and two defeats across six matches, 12 goals scored and 10 conceded. They also became the first Malawi team to reach a WAFCON final.

The final was difficult for Malawi in the opening half, while Cameroon remained sharper in the key moments. Malawi improved after the interval and did not concede again, defending with greater determination and creating pressure without finding the goal needed to revive the contest. Cameroon’s defensive block denied the Scorchers the opening they needed.

Despite the defeat, Malawi’s tournament position represents a major step for women’s football in the country. The players’ disappointment after the final reflected how seriously they had approached the chance to win the trophy. They return with silver medals, experience against the continent’s strongest sides and qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.