Bernadetta Mkandawire played the full 90 minutes as Malawi secured a historic place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite a 2-1 defeat to Zambia in their final Group C match on Wednesday night.
The Scorchers finished top of Group C on their tournament debut after the dramatic conclusion of the group, advancing to the knockout stages on the tournament’s tiebreak criteria.
Mkandawire completed the full match, while Bullets teammate Lyna James was not included in the matchday squad.
The Copper Queens made a flying start, with Barbra Banda breaking the deadlock inside two minutes before Prisca Chilufya doubled the advantage in the 36th minute to give Zambia a commanding half-time lead.
Malawi halved the deficit in the 72nd minute through Tabitha Chawinga, setting up a tense finale as the Scorchers chased an equaliser.
Rose Kadzere came within inches of levelling the scores in the 80th minute with an inventive outside-of-the-boot effort.
Two minutes later, substitute Asimenye Simwaka was presented with a golden opportunity after being released by Temwa Chawinga, but a heavy first touch allowed Zambia to clear the danger.
The Copper Queens, however, held firm to claim victory.
Despite the defeat, Malawi’s remarkable debut WAFCON campaign continues after the Scorchers secured a historic place in the quarter-finals, keeping alive their hopes of qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Mkandawire capped an impressive group stage by playing every minute of Malawi’s three matches and contributing directly to two goals.
James was named among the substitutes in the Scorchers’ opening two group matches before sitting out the final group fixture against Zambia.
Bullets Women head coach Maggie Chombo, who serves as Malawi’s assistant coach, was again on Lovemore Fazili’s technical bench as the Scorchers advanced to the knockout stages on their tournament debut.
