Malawi secured a place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite a 2-1 defeat to Zambia in their final Group C match on Wednesday.
The Scorchers progressed on goal difference after a dramatic finish to the group stage, ending the campaign ahead of defending champions Nigeria, who thrashed Egypt 6-2 in the other Group C fixture.
Zambia made a dream start, breaking the deadlock less than a minute into the contest through Barbra Banda.
The prolific forward rifled a long-range effort into the net for her fifth goal of the tournament.
The Copper Queens remained in control and nearly doubled their lead midway through the first half, but Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo produced a fine save to deny Irene Khumalo’s free-kick.
Zambia eventually extended their advantage in the 37th minute when Margaret Belemu pulled the ball back from the byline for Prisca Chilufya, who calmly finished to make it 2-0 before the interval.
Facing elimination, Malawi returned for the second half with renewed determination and pulled a goal back in the 72nd minute.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga weaved past two defenders before firing a low shot beyond the goalkeeper to revive her side’s hopes.
Both teams continued to create opportunities in the closing stages as qualification hinged on goal difference.
Zambia came close to scoring a third goal late on, but Kabange Mupopo’s close-range effort struck the woodwork.
Despite the defeat, Malawi held on to secure a place in the knockout stage on goal difference, while Zambia’s campaign ended with an early exit from the competition.
