Bernadetta Mkandawire set up Malawi’s third goal as the Scorchers defeated Algeria 3-1 in Rabat on Wednesday night to reach the TotalEnergies WAFCON 2026 final.
The Bullets Women defender completed the full contest and played her part in another landmark night for Malawian football as the Scorchers extended their extraordinary debut campaign.
Tabitha Chawinga struck twice, including a spectacular bicycle kick, while Temwa Chawinga was also on target as Malawi advanced to the continental final for the first time.
Bullets Women midfielder Lyna James was an unused substitute, while Maggie Chombo continued her role as assistant coach with the Scorchers.
Malawi take control in Rabat
Malawi made an encouraging start, with Asimenye Simwaka hitting the crossbar inside the opening minute after being released by Temwa, although the flag subsequently went up for offside.
Mkandawire was involved at both ends in the early stages, intervening to halt Algeria attacks before contributing to Malawi’s threat down the right.
The complexion of the semi-final changed in the 22nd minute when Morgane Belkhiter was sent off following a VAR review after bringing down Tabitha and denying her a clear goalscoring opportunity just outside the area.
Malawi capitalised 11 minutes later.
Ireen Khumalo delivered a corner into the area, Simwaka headed the ball down and Tabitha produced a stunning bicycle kick to fire the Scorchers ahead.
Temwa doubled the advantage on the stroke of half-time, racing onto a through ball before rounding the goalkeeper and finishing into the net.
There was another major twist before the interval when Rose Kadzere, initially booked for a challenge, was shown a red card following a VAR review in the eighth minute of stoppage time, leaving both teams with 10 players.
Mkandawire sets up the third
Algeria responded strongly after the restart and pulled one back in the 59th minute when Ikram Adjabi converted after a long free-kick into the Malawi area.
With the North Africans pushing for an equaliser and Mercy Sikelo called upon to protect Malawi’s advantage, the Scorchers needed another decisive moment.
Mkandawire provided it in the 76th minute.
The Bullets Women defender released Tabitha with a perfectly weighted ball, allowing the Malawi captain to accelerate beyond the Algeria defence before firing past the goalkeeper to restore the two-goal cushion.
It was another telling attacking contribution from Mkandawire, who has now contributed to three Malawi goals at the tournament after playing a part in two during the group stage.
Algeria continued to push, but Khumalo cleared off the line before Sikelo produced further important saves as Malawi protected their advantage through the closing stages.
Five minutes of added time followed before the final whistle confirmed the Scorchers’ place in the continental final.
One more match
Mkandawire has featured in every match of Malawi’s remarkable WAFCON campaign, combining her defensive responsibilities on the right with an increasing influence going forward.
James remains part of the squad experiencing the historic run in Morocco, while Chombo will prepare for the final as part of the Malawi technical team.
The Scorchers arrived in Morocco as WAFCON debutants and have since reached the continental final, secured the country’s first-ever qualification for a senior FIFA World Cup and become the only Southern African nation to secure direct qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027.
From debutants to World Cup qualifiers and now continental finalists, Malawi’s remarkable journey has one more match to run.
