The Chawinga Sisters Inspiring Malawi’s Historic WAFCON Run

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Malawi’s remarkable journey to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final has captured the imagination of football fans across Africa, with much of the team’s success driven by two extraordinary sisters whose careers have transformed women’s football in their country.

Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga have scored nine of Malawi’s 12 goals at the tournament, leading the Scorchers into their first ever WAFCON final where they will face Cameroon. Their performances have also secured Malawi a historic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, marking another milestone for a nation ranked 153rd in the world before the tournament began.

Two Sisters, One Extraordinary Journey

Born in Rumphi in northern Malawi, Tabitha Chawinga discovered football while playing with boys in her village using homemade balls crafted from paper and plastic.

Her determination came despite resistance from those around her. She has previously spoken about facing criticism from members of her community and even from her own family, who believed football was not a suitable path for girls.

Rather than giving up, Tabitha continued to pursue her dream, eventually joining DD Sunshine in Lilongwe where her professional career began to take shape.

Her younger sister, Temwa Chawinga, would later follow the same path, inspired by her older sibling’s success and guidance.

Today, the pair are among the most accomplished footballers ever produced by Malawi.

Tabitha Opened the Door

Tabitha’s breakthrough came in 2014 when she moved to Sweden after impressing scouts connected to a non governmental organisation.

She became the first Malawian woman to play professional football in Europe and immediately made an impact, scoring 39 goals in just 14 appearances for Swedish side Krokom Dvärsätts.

Her rise continued at Kvarnsveden before a successful six year spell in China where she collected multiple league titles, Golden Boot awards and Player of the Season honours.

She later enjoyed successful spells with Inter Milan, Paris Saint Germain and French giants Lyon, becoming the first Malawian woman to play and score in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

With Lyon, Tabitha has won consecutive French league titles while establishing herself among the world’s elite forwards.

Temwa Followed and Flourished

Temwa credits much of her career to the support and advice she received from her sister.

After also joining Kvarnsveden in Sweden, she earned a move to China’s Wuhan Jianghan, where she helped the club win four consecutive league championships.

Her greatest individual breakthrough came in 2023 when she finished as the world’s highest scoring footballer across men’s and women’s football, registering more goals during the calendar year than stars including Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

That remarkable achievement attracted the attention of Kansas City Current in the National Women’s Soccer League in the United States.

Since arriving in America, Temwa has continued her prolific form, winning the league’s Golden Boot and Most Valuable Player awards while becoming one of the competition’s biggest stars.

Leading Malawi Into History

The sisters have translated their club success onto the international stage.

Tabitha made her senior debut for Malawi in 2011, while Temwa followed several years later.

Although Tabitha usually captains the national team, Temwa led Malawi to its first regional title at the COSAFA Women’s Championship in 2023.

At WAFCON 2026, the Scorchers have stunned the continent.

They defeated ten time champions Nigeria in their opening match, finished ahead of Zambia in the group stage, eliminated Ghana in the quarterfinals and then overcame Algeria to reach the final.

Both sisters scored during the semifinal victory, once again proving decisive when Malawi needed them most.

More Than Football

Despite their achievements, neither Tabitha nor Temwa has won the CAF African Women’s Footballer of the Year award.

Both have repeatedly called for greater investment in women’s football in Malawi, arguing that many talented girls could follow similar paths if given proper opportunities and support.

Officials within the Malawi Football Association also credit increased investment, including funding from FIFA, for helping accelerate the growth of the women’s national programme.

A Final That Could Rewrite History

Malawi now stands one victory away from becoming only the fourth nation to win the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and South Africa.

Whether they lift the trophy or not, the Chawinga sisters have already transformed perceptions of Malawian football and inspired a new generation across the continent.

Their story is one of resilience, determination and belief, showing how talent from even the smallest footballing nations can compete on Africa’s biggest stage.

TVOA Perspective

The rise of Tabitha and Temwa Chawinga is about far more than football. Their journey reflects the growing opportunities available to African women in sport and the impact that sustained investment can have on emerging talent. Malawi’s historic WAFCON campaign is another reminder that Africa’s sporting future continues to expand, powered by determination, opportunity and a generation of athletes proving that no dream is beyond reach.

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