Malawi Women's Soccer Team Shines, Inspiring Africa's Future
WHO:
The Christian Science Monitor - Malawi women’s national soccer team, known as the Scorchers.
The Christian Science Monitor - Coach Lovemore Fazili.
The Christian Science Monitor - Players Temwa Chawinga and Tabitha Chawinga.
The Christian Science Monitor - Professional player and commentator Hannah Baptiste.
The Christian Science Monitor - Player Rose Kadzere.
The Christian Science Monitor - Player Vanessa Mbinho Chikupila.
WHAT:
The Christian Science Monitor - Malawi defeated Nigeria 3-2 in their first match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The Christian Science Monitor - Malawi is ranked 153rd in FIFA rankings.
The Christian Science Monitor - Nigeria has won 10 of the 13 WAFCON tournaments.
The Christian Science Monitor - Malawi is one game away from qualifying for the 2027 World Cup.
The Christian Science Monitor - Malawi topped their group despite losing 2-1 to Zambia in their third match.
The Christian Science Monitor - A win in the upcoming quarterfinal will earn Malawi a bid to the World Cup in Brazil next year.
WHERE:
The Christian Science Monitor - The match against Nigeria took place in Rabat, Morocco.
The Christian Science Monitor - The second match against Egypt was held at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
WHEN:
The Christian Science Monitor - The match against Nigeria occurred on July 28.
The Christian Science Monitor - The quarterfinal match is scheduled for Sunday.
WHY:
The Christian Science Monitor - The victory against Nigeria is seen as a significant upset in WAFCON history.
The Christian Science Monitor - The tournament was originally scheduled for March but was postponed by the Confederation of African Football.
HOW:
The Christian Science Monitor - Temwa Chawinga scored twice and Tabitha Chawinga added another goal in the match against Nigeria.
The Christian Science Monitor - Temwa assisted Rose Kadzere for a goal in the match against Egypt.
(UPDATED August 7, 2026 00:53 UTC)
Malawi's women's national soccer team, known as the Scorchers, achieved a stunning upset by defeating Nigeria 3-2 in their opening match of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with Temwa Chawinga scoring twice and Tabitha Chawinga adding another goal. This victory is particularly significant as Malawi, currently ranked 153rd in FIFA rankings, is just one game away from qualifying for the 2027 World Cup, with their upcoming quarterfinal match scheduled for Sunday. The Scorchers topped their group despite a loss to Zambia, and a win in the quarterfinal will secure their spot in the World Cup in Brazil next year.