NIGERIA — Malawi's women's national football team, the Scorchers, have achieved a significant milestone by reaching the TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations final in their debut appearance. The team secured their spot with a decisive 3-1 win against Algeria on Wednesday.

The Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, were instrumental in the victory, scoring all three goals for Malawi. This marks the Scorchers' first-ever appearance in the WAFCON final.

Malawi's path to victory was aided by an early red card for Algeria's Morgane Belkhiter in the first half, which left the North African side with ten players.

Captain Tabitha Chawinga opened the scoring in the 33rd minute with an acrobatic strike that found the back of the net. Temwa Chawinga extended Malawi's lead just before halftime, calmly rounding the goalkeeper to score.

After the break, Temwa had an opportunity to increase the lead in the 51st minute, showcasing her pace, but her effort went wide.

Algeria found a lifeline in the 60th minute when Marine Dafeur's free-kick created a chance, and Ikram Adjabi volleyed home to make it 2-1, narrowing the deficit.

However, Malawi quickly re-established their two-goal advantage. Tabitha Chawinga scored her second goal of the match, beating her defender and firing a left-footed shot into the net, putting the Scorchers up 3-1.

Algeria pressed for a comeback, and substitute Laura Muller came close in the 87th minute, rounding the goalkeeper. However, Malawi's defense recovered to prevent a potential goal.

Malawi maintained their lead through the final stages to secure the 3-1 win, continuing their impressive run in their maiden WAFCON tournament. They will now compete for the continental title in their first-ever final.