Malawi beats Angola to qualify for 2026 WAFCON

LILONGWE, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- Malawi qualified for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after defeating Angola 2-0 on Tuesday at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.

The match was the second leg and final qualification round, following a goalless draw in the first leg on Oct. 23 in Luanda, Angola.

Striker Faith Chimzimu scored both goals to send the 40,000 fans at Bingu National Stadium into wild celebration.

The first half ended goalless after Angola missed a 39th-minute penalty that struck the post. In the second half, Chimzimu found the net twice in the 81st and 83rd minutes to book Malawi's place in next year's WAFCON tournament in Morocco.

Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili has applauded the team for determination.

"It was not easy because Angola came here desperate for a win but, due to our players' hard work and determination, we've made history by qualifying for WAFCON," Fazili said.

Captain Tabitha Chawinga, who plays professionally in France, and Europe-based Rose Kabzere were among the standout players for Malawi. Enditem