Omanghana
The historic victory at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat secured the Scorchers a place in the WAFCON semi-finals and their first qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, scheduled to be held in Brazil in 2027.
Ghana made a strong start and opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah. The forward finished clinically to give the Black Queens an early advantage.
Malawi responded just five minutes later when captain Temwa Chawinga found the net in the 12th minute. The quick equaliser shifted the momentum and restored confidence to the tournament newcomers.
The teams remained level heading into halftime before Ghana appeared to regain the lead early in the second half. Doris Boaduwaa found the net, but the goal was disallowed following a review by the Video Assistant Referee.
That decision proved decisive as Malawi continued to frustrate the Black Queens and search for an opportunity to complete the comeback.
The breakthrough arrived in the 79th minute when Rose Kadzere found space inside the penalty area and calmly converted her chance to put Malawi 2-1 ahead.
Ghana pushed forward in search of a late equaliser, but Malawi protected their lead to secure one of the most significant victories in the country’s football history.
The result marked a dramatic reversal from the teams’ pre-tournament meeting three weeks earlier, when Ghana defeated Malawi 4-0 in a friendly.
Malawi’s victory also extended their extraordinary debut campaign after they eliminated defending champions Nigeria during the group stage. The Scorchers will now face Algeria in the semi-finals.
The defeat ended Ghana’s hopes of securing direct qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup through the quarter-finals. However, the Black Queens remain in contention for a place at the tournament.
Ghana will face Côte d’Ivoire in the African play-off, with the winner advancing to the intercontinental play-off round for another opportunity to qualify for the World Cup.
Source: Omanghana
