Ghana’s Black Queens must now go through the play-off route to reach the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup after Malawi overturned an early deficit to win 2-1 in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The result at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday ended Ghana’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals and securing automatic qualification for the global tournament. It also leaves their bid to return to the Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007 dependent on one more decisive match.
Head coach Kim Lars Bjorkegren kept faith with the team that started Ghana’s final Group D game, a 1-1 draw with Mali.
The Black Queens had progressed to the knockout stage as runners-up in Group D behind Cameroon. Malawi reached the quarter-finals from Group C, finishing above Nigeria and Zambia.
Ghana made the stronger start and moved in front after only six minutes. Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah reacted fastest when the ball fell loose from a rebound and sent it into the net.
They almost extended their lead when Evelyn Badu met a cross from Alice Kusi, but her header drifted narrowly wide.
Malawi quickly regained momentum and drew level through Temwa Chawinga. Her effort changed direction after striking Ghana midfielder Grace Asantewaa, leaving goalkeeper Cynthia Fiindib unable to adjust in time.
Ghana had another opportunity to go back in front when Doris Boaduwaa tried her luck from the edge of the penalty area. The attempt lacked the power to trouble the Malawian goalkeeper, who dealt with it comfortably.
Cynthia Fiindib was then called into action at the other end, making a significant save before half-time to prevent Malawi from taking the lead. The sides went into the interval level at 1-1.
Boaduwaa appeared to have restored Ghana’s advantage soon after the restart, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a review of the build-up.
Malawi continued to apply pressure and completed their comeback in the 79th minute. Following a prolonged period of possession, Rose Kadzere finished the move to give the Scorchers the lead.
The goalkeeper kept Ghana in contention again by producing another important stop to deny Temwa Chawinga. The Black Queens pushed forward in search of an equaliser late on, but Malawi’s defence held firm.
Malawi will now meet Algeria in the WAFCON semi-finals at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, 12 August.
Ghana’s remaining route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will be decided in a play-off against Cote d’Ivoire in Casablanca. A place at next year’s tournament will be at stake in that fixture, after the quarter-final defeat ended Ghana’s chance of qualifying automatically through their progress in the WAFCON.
