Algeria coach Benstiti acknowledges that Malawi Scorchers play with courage

* And shares a similar competitive spirit with his side, whose success is built on collective unity and teamwork rather than individual brilliance

* As Scorchers coach Fazili maintains that his players are not relaxing — they haven’t gone on honeymoon

By Duncan Mlanjira

All eyes this evening (19h00) will surely be on the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAfCON) Morocco 2026 semifinal between Malawi and Algeria’s Fennecs after the Scorchers fairytale run on their debut appearance.

Having beaten 10-time winners and defending champions, Nigeria in group stages — then Egypt and Ghana in the quarterfinals — the feat has earned the Scorchers global attention.

While the COSAFA side boast of two world class stars, sisters Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga, the Scorchers technical approach to every game is based on collective strength.

Temwa leads the team’s scoring charts with 3 goals after scoring two in the stunning 3-2 group stage upset win against Nigeria, while her sister Temwa scored the third goal.

The other scorers are Rose Kadzere and Faith Chinzimu — but Algeria coach Farid Benstiti, says his side’s success is built on collective unity and teamwork rather than individual brilliance.

He is quoted by Flashscore News saying: “We are a strong team with collective unity and teamwork, we have already seen this happen in previous matches, and we are now ready for the Malawi test.”

Benstiti, however, acknowledged that the Malawi Scorchers “are a team with a lot of courage” just like his side.

On his part, Scorchers is quoted by Flashscore News saying the technical team have “been tough on players” in emphasising that reaching the final “will be another milestone for the country, players, and us as a technical panel”.

“We have come this far, and we believe we can go further. Our target now is the final. The girls are ready and all players are available,” said a confident Fazili.

He is further quoted as saying they have addressed shortfalls in the squad, indicating that the technical team had reviewed past mistakes from previous matches — polishing up the goalkeeping, defense, midfield, and striking departments.

“The players are not relaxing,” he said at a press briefing. “They haven’t gone on honeymoon — they are fully focused and geared up for the game.”

Vitumbiko Mercy Mkandawire is is quoted by Flashscore, saying: “We are very motivated by the support and goodwill messages coming from back home in Malawi.

“That support gives us the strength to keep fighting and give our all.”—Additional reporting by Flashscore News

Group stage results, standings and knockout stage fixtures (kick-off times CAT beamed live on SuperSport live on DStv Channel 225 (https://dstv.stream) and on GOtv Channel 61 (https://gotv.stream):

Group A

Algeria 2-0 Senegal 

Morocco 4-0 Kenya 

Senegal 1-0 Kenya

Morocco 1-0 Algeria

Senegal 0-0 Morocco 

Kenya 0-2 Algeria

Group B

South Africa 1-2 Tanzania 

Côte d’Ivoire 4-1 Burkina Faso 

South Africa 2-2 Côte d’Ivoire 

Burkina Faso 2-1 Tanzania

Burkina Faso 0-1 South Africa

Tanzania 1-2 Côte d’Ivoire 

Group C

Zambia 6-0 Egypt

Nigeria 3-2 Malawi

Egypt 1-3 Malawi

Nigeria 1-9 Zambia

Egypt 2-6 Nigeria

Malawi 1-2 Zambia

Group D

Ghana 2-0 Cape Verde

Cameroon 2-1 Mali

Ghana 0-1 Cameroon

Mali 3-2 Cape Verde 

Mali 1-1 Ghana 

Cape Verde 1-1 Cameroon 

Quarterfinals

Côte d’Ivoire 1-2 Algeria 

Morocco 2-1 South Africa 

Cameroon 1-0 Nigeria 

Malawi 2-1 Ghana

Semifinals

Today, August 12

Morocco v Nigeria (19h00)

Algeria v Malawi (22h00)

World Cup 2027 play-off matches

Tomorrow, August 13

South Africa v Nigeria (19h00)

Côte d’Ivoire v Ghana (22h00)

Third place play-off

Saturday, August 15

Loser SF1 v Loser SF2 (19h00)

WAfCON 2026 final

Sunday, August 16

Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (Moulay Hassan Stadium or Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, (21h00)