Malawi secured their place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 WAFCON despite suffering a 2-1 defeat to Zambia in the final round of Group C.

The Scorchers advanced as group winners on goal difference, finishing ahead of Nigeria, who defeated Egypt 4-2 in the other match of the group.

An immediate strike from Barbra Banda

Before the first minute had been completed, Barbra Banda received the ball outside the penalty area and unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of Mercy Sikelo’s net.

The Copper Queens forward scored her fifth goal of the tournament and confirmed her status as one of the competition’s most important attacking players.

Zambia maintained the pressure over the following minutes and came close to extending their lead through an Irene Khumalo free kick, but Sikelo managed to divert the ball and keep Malawi in the match.

Zambia doubled their lead before halftime

Margaret Belemu reached the byline and delivered a cutback for Prisca Chilufya, who finished accurately to make it 2-0.

With that result, Zambia appeared to be moving closer to qualification, while Malawi were forced to respond to prevent the goal difference from jeopardizing their place in the next round.

Tabitha Chawinga scores the qualification goal

The Scorchers’ persistence was rewarded in the 72nd minute, when Tabitha Chawinga beat two defenders and sent a low shot beyond the goalkeeper to reduce the deficit.

The goal that made it 2-1 proved decisive for Malawi’s qualification, as they managed to preserve the margin needed to advance as group winners.

A victory that was not enough for the Copper Queens

The final minutes were filled with tension, as Zambia needed to extend their lead to improve their position in the tiebreakers.

Kabange Mupopo came very close to scoring a third goal, but her close-range effort struck the post with the goalkeeper already beaten.

The final whistle confirmed a bittersweet victory for the Copper Queens, who won 2-1 but were eliminated from the tournament.

Malawi, meanwhile, celebrated a historic place in the quarterfinals in their first WAFCON appearance and finished at the top of Group C on goal difference.