Malawi continued their dream debut at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations with a superb 3 1 victory over Egypt, producing a spirited display to move to the top of Group C and strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
The Scorchers combined determination, attacking quality and defensive resilience to overcome Egypt in an entertaining contest played at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat. Even after being reduced to 10 players in the second half, Malawi showed remarkable character to secure one of the biggest victories in the country’s women’s football history.
Egypt entered the match knowing that a positive result would improve their chances of progressing from the group, while tournament debutants Malawi were eager to build on the confidence gained from their opening performance.
The North Africans started brightly, enjoying more possession during the opening exchanges and looking dangerous whenever they pushed forward. Malawi, however, remained calm and gradually settled into the contest, frustrating Egypt with disciplined defending and quick counterattacks.
The breakthrough came in the 35th minute when midfielder Rose Kadzere gave Malawi the lead. The Scorchers capitalised on a well worked attacking move, and Kadzere showed excellent composure to beat the Egyptian goalkeeper and put her side in front. The goal lifted Malawi’s confidence and shifted the momentum firmly in their favour.
Rather than sitting back after taking the lead, Malawi continued to press forward in search of another goal before the halftime whistle.
Their positive approach paid off in first half stoppage time. In the second minute of added time, Faith Chinzimu doubled Malawi’s advantage with a clinical finish after another impressive attacking move. Her goal sent the Scorchers into the break with a deserved 2 0 lead and left Egypt with a mountain to climb in the second half.
Egypt made tactical adjustments after the interval, introducing fresh players in an effort to change the direction of the match. Their hopes received another boost in the 52nd minute when Malawi defender Rose Alufandika was shown a straight red card, reducing the Scorchers to 10 players.
With the numerical advantage, Egypt increased the pressure and looked capable of mounting a comeback. They controlled more possession and forced Malawi to defend deep inside their own half.
Despite playing with one player fewer, Malawi refused to abandon their attacking ambition.
In the 68th minute, star forward Temwa Chawinga produced the moment that effectively decided the contest. The Kansas City Current striker demonstrated her pace, intelligence and composure by finishing brilliantly to make it 3 0 for Malawi. It was another reminder of why she is regarded as one of Africa’s finest women’s footballers and one of the key players in the Scorchers squad.
Egypt responded almost immediately.
Three minutes later, substitute Eman Hassan Abdelrahim Kassel pulled one goal back in the 71st minute, giving the North Africans renewed hope of an unlikely comeback. The goal energised Egypt as they continued to attack against the 10 player Malawi side.
However, Malawi defended with tremendous determination during the closing stages. Goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo and the defensive line stood firm under sustained pressure, while the midfield worked tirelessly to close down spaces and protect their advantage.
Egypt created a few promising opportunities but struggled to break through Malawi’s organised defensive structure. The Scorchers managed the closing minutes intelligently, slowing the tempo whenever possible and frustrating their opponents until the final whistle.
The victory was thoroughly deserved and reflected Malawi’s impressive teamwork throughout the encounter.
Rose Kadzere’s opening goal laid the foundation, Faith Chinzimu’s strike just before halftime gave the team breathing space, and Temwa Chawinga’s clinical finish after the break proved decisive before Egypt’s late consolation through Eman Hassan.
Beyond the scoreline, Malawi’s performance highlighted the rapid growth of women’s football in the country. Making their first appearance at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, the Scorchers have already shown they can compete with established African nations.
Much of that progress has been driven by experienced stars such as sisters Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga, whose leadership and quality have inspired the next generation of Malawian footballers. Temwa’s return to the national team for the tournament has provided a major boost, while captain Tabitha continues to lead by example on the continental stage.
For Egypt, the defeat leaves qualification hopes hanging in the balance. After conceding twice in the first half, they struggled to recover despite enjoying a player advantage for much of the second period. The coaching staff will now focus on correcting defensive lapses and improving attacking efficiency before their next group fixture.
As for Malawi, this memorable 3 1 triumph sends a powerful message to the rest of the competition. Sitting at the top of Group C, the Scorchers have shown that they are more than just tournament debutants. They are genuine contenders capable of challenging Africa’s best teams with courage, discipline and exciting attacking football.
