Malawi Women’s National Team forward Temwa Chawinga says the Scorchers defied the odds at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after many people doubted their chances of progressing from Group C.

Malawi were drawn alongside Egypt, Zambia and defending champions Nigeria, but the Scorchers and Nigeria emerged from the group to reach the quarterfinals.

“I remember people gave us only two percent chances of qualification from our group. That never affected us; we believed in ourselves,” she reacted.

Temwa scored five goals in six games at the tournament to win the Golden Boot. Reflecting on the individual achievement, the Kansas City Current forward said she was happy with the individual achievement, although Malawi’s primary objective was to finish top of the tournament rather than as runners-up.

“That was our target but all in all we just thank God for everything, our first time to be here, happy for the girls, we did everything but failed to get what we wanted.

“I am happy to have won the golden boot; teamwork made it possible. I thank all Malawians who supported us from day one to this far; we tried, but I hope there is a next time,” she said.

Temwa finished the tournament with five goals and two assists, featuring in all six matches and forming an attacking partnership with her elder sister, Tabitha.