Egypt suffer second defeat to exit Women’s Africa Cup of Nations

Egypt have been eliminated from the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after losing their second successive Group C match, going down 3-1 to Malawi in Morocco on Saturday.

The result left Egypt bottom of the group without a point, following their opening 6-0 defeat by Zambia. Malawi moved to the top of the standings with six points and are now close to reaching the quarter-finals.

Malawi will complete their group campaign against Zambia, while Egypt face defending champions Nigeria in their final match.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) website reviewed the main moments from a match in which Malawi took control before surviving a determined second-half response from Egypt.

Egypt created the first clear opportunity in the 16th minute. Kristina Salama found space to shoot, but her effort went narrowly wide of the goal.

Malawi responded when Faith Chinzimu ran in behind the Egyptian defence. However, Egypt’s goalkeeper read the danger quickly, advanced from her goal and halted the attack.

Temwa Chawinga then came close with a powerful effort that was pushed behind for a corner. Chawinga soon played a decisive role in Malawi’s opening goal, delivering a precise pass to Rose Kadziri, who finished from close range in the 35th minute.

Malawi doubled their advantage before half-time. Chinzimu reacted quickest after her initial header had been saved, meeting the rebound with a direct finish into the net.

Egypt began the second half with greater purpose and were handed another boost when Malawi were reduced to 10 players. Rose Alufandika was shown a red card after bringing down Habiba Hafez as the Egypt forward moved towards goal.

Despite being a player down, Malawi continued to threaten on the counter-attack. They extended their lead in the 68th minute, with Kadziri turning provider after winning possession and sending a clever pass towards Chawinga.

Chawinga produced a composed finish, lifting a header over the advancing goalkeeper to make it 3-0.

Egypt responded almost immediately. Substitute Eman Qassem marked her introduction by scoring with a well-directed header to reduce the deficit and give her side renewed hope.

Egypt continued to press for a second goal that would have brought them back into the contest, but Malawi’s organised defence resisted the pressure. Chawinga remained a constant threat whenever Malawi broke forward, with her pace and movement repeatedly troubling the Egyptian back line.

The defeat means Egypt cannot progress from the group, having conceded nine goals across their first two matches and scored only once.

Malawi, meanwhile, head into their concluding game against Zambia with six points and in a strong position to advance to the quarter-finals. Egypt’s final opportunity to finish the tournament with a positive result will come against Nigeria, the reigning champions, in the last round of Group C fixtures.