Two NWSL stars are putting it all on the line, as Temwa Chawinga’s Malawi squares off with Barbra Banda’s Zambia in today’s win-or-go-home WAFCON 2026 Group C closer.
Entering the tournament ranked No. 153 in the world, Malawi turned Cinderella after the KC Current standout and her sister Tabitha (OL Lyonnes) fueled the WAFCON debutant to back-to-back wins.
But the unbeaten Scorchers aren’t safe yet, facing a 1-1 Zambia side looking to avenge Saturday’s 1-0 loss to 10-time winner Nigeria.
If Malawi falls to the Copper Queens and Nigeria tops Egypt, Chawinga’s fairytale run could end via tiebreakers — though the three goals the sisters hung on the Super Falcons may prove their saving grace.
A one-goal Zambia win would pull all three contenders level at six points, throwing Group C into a head-to-head scramble that currently favors Malawi.
Reigning champion Nigeria controls its own fate, clinching a quarterfinal berth with a win over Egypt but risking a shock first-round exit with a draw and a Zambia victory.
Temwa Chawinga and Barbra Banda take the pitch in Rabat today at 4 PM ET (CAF TV).
