Regardless of the final outcome in Rabat, Malawi's Women's Africa Cup of Nations run can already be called the most remarkable by an international team in a major tournament ever. This is Malawi's debut at a major competition, and as the 153rd ranked side in the world they entered as absolute outsiders when WAFCON began on July 26.

They faced Nigeria, ten‑time champions and the tournament favourite, in their opening match, a true baptism of fire. Malawi took a 2‑0 lead with goals from the Chawinga sisters, only to see Nigeria pull one back before a 3‑2 thriller ended with a historic defeat for the Falcons. Subsequent victories over Zambia, Ghana and Algeria kept the momentum alive, giving Malawi the highest goals‑per‑game ratio of any team in the tournament.

The Scorchers' campaign, featuring home‑based players drawn from a nation without a functional league until last year, mirrors the 2002 Senegal debut that upset the reigning champions before advancing further. Their 12 goals in five matches, averaging 2.4 per game, outpace Zambia (1.75) and Nigeria (1.5). With a place in the final secured, Malawi stands as a historic underdog, proving that a 153rd‑ranked side can compete with the continent's elite.