For Malawi its the mission continues while the Copper Queens has had little time to reflect on their narrow defeat to Nigeria as they prepared for what promises to be the biggest match of their 2026 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Yes its matchday and Zambia take on an in-form Malawi side in a decisive Group C encounter with a place in the quarter-finals firmly at stake.
When the tournament draw was made, few gave Malawi much chance of progressing from what many labelled the “Group of Death.” Zambia and Nigeria were widely tipped to qualify, while Egypt and Malawi were expected to battle for third place.
Two matches later, the script has been completely rewritten.
The Scorchers sit at the top of Group C after producing the tournament’s biggest surprise. They stunned Nigeria in their opening fixture before defeating Egypt 3-1 to collect six points from six and secure qualification for the knockout stages.
Zambia, meanwhile, remain third on three points, behind Nigeria on h2h after opening the tournament with a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt. Although the Copper Queens fell 1-0 to the Super Falcons, their second-half performance offered plenty of encouragement.
After Asisat Oshoala’s early goal gave Nigeria the lead, Zambia struggled to find their rhythm during the opening half. However, the game changed after Nigeria were reduced to ten players following the dismissal of defender Oluwatosin Demehin for denying Barbra Banda a clear goalscoring opportunity.
The Copper Queens dominated possession after the interval, creating several dangerous opportunities through Barbra Banda, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya. Nigeria defended bravely to preserve their advantage, but Zambia’s response demonstrated the fighting spirit Nora Häuptle has instilled in her side.
That resilience will now be tested against arguably the tournament’s most confident team.
Southern African Pride at Stake
Beyond qualification, Tuesday’s fixture is also a battle for regional supremacy.
Malawi have built their campaign around discipline, quick transitions and the outstanding form of captain Temwa Chawinga, whose pace and finishing have unsettled every defence she has faced.
Zambia, however, possess one of Africa’s most dangerous attacking units. Barbra Banda, Racheal Kundananji, Grace Chanda and Prisca Chilufya have already shown they can punish opponents when given space.
The midfield contest could prove decisive, with both teams looking to control possession before releasing their explosive forwards.
Qualification Scenarios
While Malawi have already secured a quarter-final place, they will be eager to maintain their perfect record and finish top of Group C.
For Zambia, the equation is straightforward:
- A victory would guarantee qualification and could see the Copper Queens finish top of the group depending on the outcome of Nigeria versus Egypt.
- A draw would leave Zambia in a strong position to qualify, although final standings would depend on the result of the other Group C fixture.
- A defeat would leave qualification hanging in the balance and could allow Nigeria to leapfrog the Copper Queens if the Super Falcons avoid defeat against Egypt.
Can Zambia End Malawi’s Fairytale?
Malawi have been the story of WAFCON 2026 so far, proving every pre-tournament prediction wrong with victories over Nigeria and Egypt.
Yet the Copper Queens have every reason to believe they can halt the Scorchers’ remarkable run. Zambia possess greater tournament experience, world-class attacking talent and showed enough against Nigeria to suggest they are capable of beating anyone on their day.
What once looked like a routine qualification path has become a winner-takes-all Southern African derby.
For Zambia, there could hardly be a bigger stage.
