Outsiders Malawi have qualified for their first-ever FIFA World Cup and reached the semifinals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) by coming from behind to beat Ghana 2-1 in Morocco on Sunday, August 10th, 2026.

Ghana took an early lead after just seven minutes when Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah volleyed the ball into the net. Malawi responded swiftly, leveling the score five minutes later through a deflected shot by Temwa Chawinga. The decisive goal came in the 79th minute when Rose Kadzere burst into the area and fired past Ghana’s goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan.

The 19-year-old Kadzere had earlier struck after 19 minutes, sending a rising shot past Nigeria’s goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie into the corner of the net. Nigeria, the defending champions, were eliminated by Cameroon in the tournament. Just before Malawi’s winning goal, Nigeria introduced six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year Asisat Oshoala, who was not sufficiently fit to start.

In other news, Hall of Fame NBA coach and champion player Don Nelson passed away at the age of 86.

Sources