Malawi and Zambia set for high-stakes showdown at WAFCON 2026
By Joel Masibo, August 5, 2026One of the standout fixtures in the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 takes place on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, as Southern African rivals Malawi and Zambia battle for top spot in Group C.
The encounter at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat brings together two sides with plenty to play for. Malawi, making their debut at the continental tournament, have surprised many by collecting maximum points from their opening two matches. A draw will be enough to secure first place, while Zambia must claim all three points if they are to leapfrog their neighbours at the top of the standings.
Malawi’s campaign
Malawi’s impressive campaign has already included victories over Nigeria and Egypt, performances that have transformed the Scorchers from tournament outsiders into genuine contenders. Despite their flawless start, head coach Lovemore Fazili insists his team is not satisfied.
“We have six points, but we’re fighting for three more. We want to finish with nine points,” stated coach Lovemore Fazili at a press conference.
The Malawian coach dismissed any suggestion that his side would settle for a draw.
“Many are talking about a draw, but that’s not our mindset. We’re going onto the pitch to win.”
Although praise continues to pour in for his players, Fazili believes carrying the underdog tag remains beneficial.
“People see us as the underdogs, and that suits us. This image gives us even more motivation,” he adds.
For Zambia, the final group fixture presents an opportunity to demonstrate their resilience. The Copper Queens began the competition in emphatic fashion by thrashing Egypt 6-0 but were then edged 1-0 by Nigeria despite their opponents being reduced to 10 players.
That defeat has left the experienced side with only one objective, beat Malawi and finish top of the group.
Häuptle maintains confidence
Head coach Nora Häuptle has maintained confidence in her squad’s ability to rise to the occasion and is focused on keeping the team mentally prepared for the decisive encounter.
“We know how to manage the energy that precedes these kinds of matches. The group is calm and completely focused on themselves,” she explained before the start of the tournament, a philosophy she continues to apply as this crucial match approaches.
Zambia will once again depend on influential stars Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji to provide the attacking spark against a Malawian side full of confidence.
Goalkeeper Hazel Nali also expressed optimism ahead of the clash.
“We have a great mindset. Everyone in the country expects a lot from us, and that support pushes us to go even further,” the Copper Queens goalkeeper explains further.
The meeting carries extra significance beyond qualification, as the two neighbours have developed a fierce rivalry through regular meetings in COSAFA competitions. Their recent history has been closely contested, with Zambia holding a slight edge after winning three of their last five COSAFA Women’s Championship encounters, while Malawi have claimed two victories. The teams also shared the spoils in their most recent meeting last December.
Fazili expects another fiercely contested contest.
“We know Zambia, and they know us too. Every time we play them, it’s like a final. It will be difficult for both teams.”
Although both nations are well placed to qualify for the quarter-finals, finishing first in the group could provide a more favourable route through the knockout rounds.
Malawi midfielder Madyina Nguluwe insists the Scorchers remain fully focused despite their excellent start.
“We know this match will determine our future. We are not relaxed. We want to do everything we can to win,” said midfielder Madyina Nguluwe.
What initially appeared to be a group dominated by Nigeria and Zambia has instead been turned on its head by Malawi’s remarkable performances. The debutants now have the chance to complete a perfect group-stage campaign, but standing in their way is a Zambian side determined to reassert its status among Africa’s elite.
With regional pride, first place and momentum heading into the quarter-finals all at stake, the Southern African derby promises to be one of the most fiercely contested matches of the tournament.
Stat of the match
Zambia head into the contest with an impressive record in their final group-stage fixtures at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, having never suffered defeat, recording two victories and two draws.