Ghana down, World Cup booked: Scorchers make history

The debutants came as underdogs. Ghana came as favourites. But when the final whistle blew, it was Malawi’s Scorchers celebrating a night that will live forever in the country’s football history.

Malawi Women’s Football team, The Scorchers produced a fearless performance on Sunday night, knocking out Ghana’s Black Queens to storm into the WAFCON semi-finals after a thrilling 2-1 victory.

And with the semi-final place came an even bigger reward: Malawi have qualified for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil for the first time in history.

Temwa Chawinga and Rose Kabzere were the names on the scoresheet, but this was a victory built on collective grit, relentless pressing and a goalkeeper who simply refused to be beaten.

Ghana needed just seven minutes to draw first blood, with Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah putting the Black Queens ahead.

But the Scorchers did not blink.

Temwa scored the opener

Five minutes later, Temwa Chawinga struck back, with her effort taking a deflection before finding the back of the net to restore Malawi’s belief.

The first half remained a proper heavyweight contest, with both sides creating half chances as the Scorchers refused to sit back against one of the tournament favourites.

Malawi came out firing after the break.

The Scorchers pressed Ghana high up the pitch and forced mistakes, while their attacking movement kept the Black Queens’ defence under constant pressure.

Ghana thought they had taken the lead again after beating Malawi’s defence, but VAR came to the Scorchers’ rescue, ruling the goal out for offside.

Celebration after victory

Then came the knockout punch.

With 79 minutes on the clock, Temwa turned on the magic down the right, beating her marker before delivering for Rose Kabzere, who made no mistake.
2-1 Malawi.
Game on? No.

The Scorchers smelled blood.

Ghana had already made three substitutions, but the Black Queens struggled to contain Malawi’s constant attacks into the final third.

Coach Lovemore Fazili’s changes also proved crucial.

When Asimenye Simwaka was withdrawn, Temwa moved towards the right wing while Kabzere pushed into the number nine role, a tactical switch that helped Malawi maintain their attacking threat.

And when Ghana came searching for an equaliser, they found a brick wall in Mercy Sikelo.

The Scorchers’ goalkeeper stood tall when it mattered most, frustrating Ghana and helping Malawi protect their historic advantage until the final whistle.

Scorchers have booked a place at 2027 Women’s World Cup

For Ghana, the night ended in heartbreak. For Malawi, it was the beginning of a new chapter.

The Scorchers had arrived at WAFCON as debutants and underdogs. They are now semi-finalists and World Cup-bound.

Temwa Chawinga was named Player of the Match after another influential display that included a goal and an assist.

Next stop: Algeria.
The Scorchers face Algeria in the WAFCON semi-finals on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, with Malawi now just two wins away from lifting the continental crown.