By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Ghana suffered a devastating 2-1 defeat to Malawi, missing out on automatic qualification for the Women’s World Cup. The Black Queens fell short in a tense quarterfinal clash at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The loss in Rabat sent shockwaves through West African football and halted a promising campaign for the continental powerhouse.
Early Drama and Equalization
Ghana seized the early momentum when English-born striker Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah converted a rebound in the seventh minute following diligent work from Alice Kusi. The advantage proved fleeting as Malawi responded swiftly. Captain Temwa Chawinga unleashed a powerful strike from the edge of the box that deflected off Grace Asantewaa past goalkeeper Cynthia Konlan to level the score in the twelfth minute.
Decisive Late Winner
The second half brought heightened tension and tactical chess. Doris Boaduwaa thought she had restored Ghana’s lead in the 54th minute, but the video assistant referee correctly ruled out the effort for an offside build-up. Malawi weathered the sustained pressure and capitalized on a late opening. Rose Kadzere exploited a gap in the Ghanaian defensive line in the 79th minute, racing onto a precise cross from Chawinga before slotting past the advancing goalkeeper to seal the historic victory.
Path to the Global Stage
Algeria, Morocco, Cameroon, and Malawi have all qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the current Wafcon tournament in Morocco acting as the official qualifying pathway where reaching the semi-finals guarantees a spot. Malawi joins
Algeria, Cameroon, and hosts Morocco as Africa’s four automatic representatives for next year’s 32-team tournament. Algeria secured their first-ever World Cup appearance by beating 10-player Ivory Coast 2-1 through goals from Ines Khiri and Amira Ould Braham after N’Sira Oudraogo received a red card while the Ivorians held a lead. Morocco claimed their place with a 2-1 victory over South Africa courtesy of strikes from Sakina Ouzraoui Diki and Hanane Ait El Haj. The Scorchers will face Algeria in Wednesday’s semifinal at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat, while Morocco takes on Cameroon. Meanwhile, Ghana misses out on direct qualification and must navigate a challenging playoff route. The four quarter-final losers—Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and South Africa—will contest Thursday’s playoffs, where Ivory Coast meets Ghana and Nigeria faces South Africa. The two victorious nations advance to the 10-nation intercontinental play-offs scheduled for November and December, from which three additional countries will qualify for the global finals running from June 24 to July 25.
Defending Champions Dethroned
The tournament witnessed another seismic shock earlier in the day when Cameroon eliminated reigning champions Nigeria 1-0 in Casablanca. Nineteen-year-old Myriam Nyadjou delivered the decisive blow with a brilliant long-range free kick. Nigeria, who had previously qualified for all nine prior Women’s World Cup finals, now face a difficult playoff pathway alongside Ghana as a new champion is guaranteed to be crowned in next Sunday’s final.
Balanced Epilogue
As the tournament moves toward its climactic conclusion in Rabat, the shifting landscape of African women’s football highlights unprecedented competitiveness and tactical growth across the continent.
