Overview
- Malawi beat Algeria 3-1 on Wednesday to reach their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final with Tabitha Chawinga scoring twice and sister Temwa adding a goal.
- Cameroon advanced by beating hosts Morocco on penalties after a 0-0 draw, with goalkeeper Michaely Bihina stopping multiple spot kicks in the shootout.
- All four semi-finalists — Malawi, Cameroon, Morocco and Algeria — clinched places at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup while quarter-final losers must pursue additional CAF and intercontinental playoff matches to qualify.
- Key officials’ interventions changed outcomes in the semis as VAR-led decisions produced two first-half red cards in Malawi’s win and a late penalty for Morocco was missed before the shootout.
- Malawi’s run as a debutant ranked 153rd, driven by the Chawinga sisters and growing midfield cohesion, highlights a broader competitive shift in African women’s football that could raise investment and attention to smaller federations.