LILONGWE, MALAWI – Football fans from Malawi had their hearts broken, yet felt proud, after their team failed to clinch a medal in their debut at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) tournament, losing 3-0 to Cameroon in Sunday’s final match in Rabat.
But despite the loss, the Scorchers achieved milestones as they went through their ‘fairy tale’ WAFCON journey. As underdogs ranked 153rd in the FIFA World Rankings, Malawi created history, powered by sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, to record a 3-1 win over Algeria in the semi-final before being knocked out by first-time winners Cameroon.
At their fan zone in Lilongwe, fans felt every moment, shouting, waving their hands and burying their faces in disappointment as Cameroon led 3-0 before half-time courtesy of goals by Marie Ngah (twice) and Naomi Ndjoah Eto. Malawi’s missing link in this match was Rose Kadzere, who was suspended after a red card against Algeria.
Malawi resident Vilerani Nyirenda summarised the sentiments of the nation: “We are disappointed with ourselves somehow, but we are still proud of the team… they have made us extremely proud… We didn’t think we would qualify for the finals, but here we are.”
Peter Jegwa further commented: “Malawi came to the tournament as underdogs, but today was one step too many for them.”
Though it ended in disappointment, Malawi leaves Morocco with one goal already accomplished: qualifying for their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
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