Malawi’s remarkable journey at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has reached another historic milestone after the Scorchers defeated Algeria 3-1 to book their place in the final of the continental championship.
The victory continues what has become one of the most remarkable stories of the tournament. Making their first appearance at the WAFCON, Malawi have progressed from newcomers to semi-finalists, secured a World Cup ticket and now stand just one match away from becoming African champions.
The Scorchers’ extraordinary campaign has attracted praise from Oluwafemi Adebayo Oladehinde, Head Coach of Femmco Football Academy, who believes Malawi’s opening-match victory over Nigeria’s Super Falcons was an early indication of what the team was capable of achieving.
Speaking to Sports247, Adebayo said he began believing Malawi could win the tournament immediately after their stunning victory over the nine-time African champions.
“I see Malawi winning this year’s WAFCON after that opening shock victory over the ten-time winner, Super Falcons of Nigeria,” Adebayo said.
Malawi shocked Nigeria in their opening Group C encounter, securing a dramatic victory that initially appeared to be one of the tournament’s biggest upsets. However, subsequent results have transformed that result from a surprise into a major statement of intent.
The Scorchers have continued to grow in confidence and tactical maturity, eventually reaching the semi-finals before producing another impressive performance against Algeria.
Their 3-1 victory has now secured Malawi a place in the WAFCON final, where they will have the opportunity to complete an extraordinary journey by lifting the continental trophy.
Adebayo, however, believes the biggest challenge is still ahead. He urged the Malawian players and coaching staff to remain calm and avoid allowing the excitement surrounding their historic achievement to affect their approach to the final.
He also called for an even more tactical approach in the decisive encounter.
According to the Femmco coach, Malawi must maintain the energy, discipline and organisation that have carried them this far while making the necessary tactical adjustments against their final opponents.
From shocking Nigeria in the opening match to eliminating Algeria in the semi-final, Malawi have already rewritten their WAFCON story.
Now, just one game remains between the Scorchers and an unprecedented African title.
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