Cameroon and Malawi advanced to the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinals on Sunday, securing automatic qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and delivering historic shocks in the process. Cameroon edged defending champion Nigeria 1-0 in Casablanca, while Malawi stunned Ghana 2-1 in Rabat during its tournament debut.
The Indomitable Lionesses ended Nigeria’s dominance with a 19th-minute free kick from 19-year-old Myriam Nyadjou that sailed into the top corner past a static wall. Goalkeeper Michaely Bihina then produced a series of crucial saves, including a one-handed stop to deny Uchenna Kanu, as Nigeria controlled possession but lacked finishing. The Super Falcons, 10-time continental champions, failed to reach the semifinals for the first time in the competition’s history. Star forward Rinsola Babajide left injured before halftime, and substitute Esther Okoronkwo missed a golden opportunity in stoppage time, shooting wide with Asisat Oshoala better positioned. The win marked only Cameroon’s second victory over Nigeria in 14 WAFCON encounters and sends the Lionesses to an 11th semifinal, where they will face host nation Morocco on Wednesday. It also guarantees a third World Cup appearance after 2015 and 2019.
Malawi’s breakthrough came through Temwa Chawinga, the Kansas City Current forward who scored once and assisted the winner. Ghana took an early lead through Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah’s volley, but Chawinga equalized with a fine strike. Rose Kadzere then settled the contest late, collecting Chawinga’s pass and sliding the ball past the goalkeeper. The Flames, who also upset Nigeria 3-2 in the group stage, will meet Algeria in Wednesday’s other semifinal. For Malawi, the victory means a first-ever World Cup berth.
Nigeria and Ghana now enter a sudden-death playoff round on Thursday in Casablanca. The Super Falcons face South Africa, while Ghana meets Ivory Coast. The two winners will advance to the intercontinental playoffs for a final chance to reach Brazil. The quarterfinal results have reshaped the continental landscape, confirming Cameroon and Malawi as rising forces and leaving traditional powers fighting for survival.
