Ghana’s Black Queens face Malawi in a potentially defining WAFCON quarter-final on Sunday, August 9, 2026, with far more than a place in the last four at stake.

Victory at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca would send Ghana into the semi-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and secure their return to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since 2007.

The four semi-finalists at this year’s tournament will qualify automatically for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil, giving the Black Queens a huge incentive to get past a Malawi side that has already exceeded expectations.

Ghana reached the knockout stage after finishing second in Group D behind Cameroon and come into the quarter-final with the experience of going deep at recent WAFCON tournaments.

They claimed bronze at the 2024 edition and reached the semi-finals before losing to Morocco on penalties.

Malawi, however, are writing their own story.

The Scorchers are appearing at the WAFCON for the first time but have already stunned the continent by reaching the last eight.

They shocked defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening game, with the Chawinga sisters playing starring roles, before finishing top of their group.

Temwa Chawinga, who plays for Kansas City Current, and Lyon forward Tabitha Chawinga will again be Malawi’s biggest attacking weapons.

Their pace, movement and ability to exploit space could pose serious problems for Ghana, particularly if the Black Queens push their defensive line too high.

That makes the tactical battle fascinating.

Ghana coach Kim Lars Björkegren will need his team to balance attacking ambition with defensive discipline.

The Black Queens have worked on pressing, ball circulation and movement, but they cannot afford to lose possession cheaply and give Malawi opportunities to launch quick transitions.

Ghana also possess enough quality to trouble the Scorchers. Captain Portia Boakye provides experience and leadership, while Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah, Grace Asantewaa, Jennifer Cudjoe, Alice Kusi and Doris Boaduwaa offer creativity and attacking threat.

Malawi coach Lovemore Fazili, meanwhile, has fashioned a side comfortable with absorbing pressure and quickly turning defensive recoveries into attacks.

Midfield control could therefore decide the contest. If Ghana dominate possession and move the ball quickly, they can pin Malawi back.

But if the Scorchers win the ball and release the Chawinga sisters into open space, Ghana could be made to pay.

For the Black Queens, it is a chance to end a 19-year World Cup wait. For Malawi, it is an opportunity to turn a remarkable debut into something historic.

The quarter-final promises to be a battle between Ghana’s experience and Malawi’s fearless momentum.


FKA/AM