Malawi booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite a 2-1 defeat to Zambia in their final Group C match on Wednesday.
The Scorchers progressed on goal difference after finishing top of Group C, edging defending champions Nigeria, who defeated Egypt 4-2 in the other group match.
Zambia made a dream start as Barbra Banda opened the scoring inside the first minute with a powerful long-range strike for her fifth goal of the tournament.
The Copper Queens doubled their lead in the 37th minute when Margaret Belemu picked out Prisca Chilufya, who finished clinically to make it 2-0 before halftime.
Malawi responded after the break and pulled one back in the 72nd minute through captain Tabitha Chawinga, who dribbled past two defenders before firing home.
Zambia pushed for a third goal in the closing stages, with Kabange Mupopo striking the woodwork, but Malawi held on to secure the result they needed to advance.
Despite the victory, Zambia bowed out of the tournament, while Malawi advanced to the knockout stage on goal difference.
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