Malawi’s late winner fuels historic WAFCON semifinal and World Cup berth

Rose Kadzere’s dramatic 79th‑minute strike gave Malawi a 2‑1 victory over Ghana, propelling the Scorchers into the WAFCON semifinal and securing their first ever FIFA Women’s World Cup berth, CAFOnline reported. After falling behind early, the Malawi side rallied and Kadzere’s finish clinched the comeback.

Just seven minutes into the contest, Chantelle Boye‑Hlorkah finished clinically to hand Ghana an early lead, briefly putting Kim Lars Björkegren’s side on course for a return to the last four.

Five minutes later, captain and star forward Temwa Chawinga once again demonstrated why she is regarded as one of Africa’s finest attackers, drawing the Scorchers level in the 12th minute.

Ghana’s VAR‑ruled goal

Ghana believed they had regained the lead shortly after the restart when Doris Boaduwaa found the net, only for the effort to be ruled out following a VAR review.

Despite introducing fresh attacking options, including Princella Adubea, Wasila Mohammed and Princess Marfo, Ghana struggled to break down a disciplined Malawi defence.

Kadzere’s winner sends Malawi through

Kadzere’s 79th‑minute strike saw her find space before producing a composed finish beyond the Ghana goalkeeper, putting Malawi ahead for the first time.

Ghana threw numbers forward during the closing stages in search of an equaliser that would force extra time, but Malawi defended resolutely to protect their advantage until the final whistle.

Having topped Group C on their maiden appearance, the Scorchers have become one of only a handful of debutants to reach the semifinals of the Women’s AFCON, while simultaneously booking one of Africa’s four automatic places at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup.

For Ghana, the defeat was a bitter blow to their hopes of returning to the global finals for the first time since 2007. The Black Queens remain in contention for a World Cup place and will now face Côte d’Ivoire in the African play‑off, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental play‑offs.