By Suleman Chitera

RABAT, Morocco — The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) has congratulated Malawi’s Scorchers after the women’s national football team made history by reaching the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) Morocco 2026 and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

The historic achievement follows Malawi’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Ghana in the WAFCON quarter-final at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.

The result represents one of the biggest milestones in the history of Malawian women’s football, with the Scorchers reaching the WAFCON semi-finals for the first time and booking their place at their maiden FIFA Women’s World Cup.NBM plc flies three to WAFCON

COSAFA celebrates Scorchers’ historic achievement

COSAFA has praised the Scorchers for their remarkable campaign, saying the regional football family is proud of the team’s achievement.

In a statement, the regional football governing body congratulated Malawi for reaching the last four of the continental tournament and qualifying for the global showpiece.

“Congratulations to Malawi on reaching the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF WafconMorocco 2026 and their maiden qualification for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. What an achievement, the COSAFA family could not be prouder,” COSAFA said.Mutharika Hails Scorchers’ Historic WAFCON 2026 Quarterfinal Qualification

The message underlines the significance of Malawi’s achievement not only for the country but also for women’s football in the Southern African region.

Scorchers overcome Ghana to make history

Malawi secured their place in the semi-finals after producing a determined performance against Ghana in Rabat.

The Scorchers fell behind but showed character to overturn the deficit and win the quarter-final 2-1.

Temwa Chawinga and Rose Kadzere scored for Malawi to complete the comeback and send the Scorchers into the semi-finals.

The victory also guaranteed Malawi a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, marking the first time the country’s senior women’s team has qualified for the global tournament.

The achievement is a major breakthrough for Malawi, whose women’s football programme has continued to gain prominence on the African continent.NBM ‘Waku WAFCON’ Promo winners off to Morocco to cheer the Scorchers

Malawi the last COSAFA team standing

The Scorchers have also emerged as the only COSAFA representative remaining in the WAFCON 2026 tournament.

Malawi’s regional counterparts had contrasting fortunes during the competition.

Defending champions South Africa were eliminated in the quarter-finals, while Zambia failed to progress beyond the group stage.

With South Africa and Zambia out of the tournament, Malawi now carries the hopes of the COSAFA region into the semi-finals.

The Scorchers’ progress also highlights the growing competitiveness of women’s football in Southern Africa, with Malawi now among the continent’s leading teams at the tournament.

A landmark moment for Malawian football

Qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is arguably the biggest achievement yet for Malawi’s senior women’s national team.Shepherd Bushiri Mobilizes 10 Buses to Repatriate Malawians

The Scorchers have earned international recognition through their performances in Morocco, while the success is expected to provide further momentum for the development and promotion of women’s football in Malawi.

The team’s run has also captured the attention of football supporters across the country, with the historic World Cup qualification generating widespread excitement.

For Malawi, the WAFCON campaign has now become more than a continental tournament. The Scorchers have secured a place in history and will now turn their attention to the semi-finals as they continue their pursuit of a place in the WAFCON final.

Their achievement has already earned recognition from COSAFA, which has described the milestone as one the entire regional football family can be proud of.Bushiri Pledges Support for Football Development in Ntcheu

Malawi’s Scorchers are now one victory away from reaching the WAFCON final, while their historic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup has guaranteed their place on the global stage.