Malawi continued their fairytale debut at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a resilient 3-1 victory over Egypt on Saturday, overcoming the challenge of playing nearly 40 minutes with 10 players to register a second consecutive win and send the North Africans crashing out of the competition.
Egypt made the brighter start and almost found an early breakthrough when Nour Abdelwahed connected with a diving header, but the Malawian defence stood firm to keep the effort out.
Ali Mahira soon tried her luck from distance with a half-volley, though her strike lacked the power to trouble goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo.
Malawi initially struggled to gain a foothold in the contest, with Rose Alufandika firing wide before Egypt continued to press.
Yassmin Zezo rounded off a flowing attacking move with a shot on target, but Sikelo gathered comfortably.
The Scorchers gradually settled into the game and began to threaten. Temwa Chawinga recorded their first shot on target after meeting Rose Kadzere’s cross with a well-struck half-volley, only for goalkeeper Maha Shehata to produce a smart save.
Tabitha Chawinga soon became increasingly influential, unsettling Egypt’s backline with her pace and movement. Malawi’s growing dominance almost paid off when Kadzere rose to meet a corner after Tabitha’s effort had been deflected behind, but Shehata was equal to the header.
Leticia Chinyamula also attempted a long-range strike that drifted narrowly off target.
The breakthrough eventually arrived through Kadzere. Temwa Chawinga cleverly laid the ball off before spinning into space and releasing her teammate, who stretched to steer her finish beyond Shehata for her maiden goal at a major international tournament.
Malawi doubled their advantage just before the break. Benadetta Mkandawire delivered a deep cross that found Faith Chinzimu, whose initial effort was blocked by Shehata.
The forward reacted quickest, producing an acrobatic finish from the rebound to give the Scorchers a deserved 2-0 lead.
The second half began with Malawi still in control, and Tabitha Chawinga nearly extended the advantage after breaking free down the left, but Shehata denied her with another fine save.
The complexion of the game shifted in the 52nd minute when Alufandika received a straight red card for bringing down Habiba Essam as the Egyptian attacker raced clear on goal.
The defender left the field visibly emotional, forcing Malawi to finish the match with 10 players.
Egypt attempted to capitalise on their numerical advantage. Nadine Ghazi threaded a pass into the path of Farah El Mahdy, but Sikelo reacted brilliantly to make an important save from a tight angle.
Even with a player less, Malawi remained a constant threat. Mkandawire forced another save from Shehata before Kadzere delivered an inviting cross that Tabitha Chawinga could not turn into the net.
The Scorchers eventually struck again with a clinical counterattack. Kadzere’s perfectly weighted pass over the top released the Chawinga sisters, and Temwa reached the ball ahead of the advancing Shehata before calmly finishing to make it 3-0.
Egypt managed a late response almost immediately. Mahira’s dangerous free-kick was met by the unmarked Iman Hassan, whose header beat Sikelo at the far post to reduce the deficit before she celebrated passionately with her teammates.
The closing minutes produced several robust challenges as both teams battled fiercely.
Malawi believed they had won a penalty when Hassan appeared to handle Tabitha Chawinga’s goal-bound volley inside the box, but after reviewing the incident, the referee overturned the decision.
The victory completed another outstanding display from the tournament newcomers, who backed up their surprise opening triumph over Nigeria with another impressive performance.
Malawi now move provisionally to the top of Group C ahead of Saturday’s meeting between Nigeria and Zambia.
Depending on that result, the Scorchers could book a historic place in the quarter-finals with one group match still to play.
They will wrap up their group-stage campaign against regional rivals Zambia, while Egypt, already eliminated from the tournament, face Nigeria in their final Group C encounter.
