Malawi's WAFCON Power Duo: Meet the Chawinga Sisters!
The Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, are making history with the Malawi Scorchers, leading their team to a sensational debut at the 2026 WAFCON and securing their first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup qualification. This article details their legendary impact, individual career triumphs in top leagues, and the profound sisterly bond that fueled their rise to international prominence.
On the pitch for the Malawi Scorchers, sisters Temwa Chawinga, distinctive with her bright cobalt blue low-cut hair and jersey number 10, and Tabitha Chawinga, with her flowing locs and jersey number 11, share moments that encapsulate their legendary impact on Malawian football. Known collectively as the Chawinga sisters, their presence transforms the game, with Temwa frequently creating scoring chances and netting goals, while Tabitha matches her prowess, often in the same position.
Hailing from the Rumphi district in Northern Malawi, the duo’s journey began by playing alongside local boys before they found their breakthrough at DD Sunshine in Lilongwe. Their exceptional chemistry and formidable goalscoring power have been instrumental in transforming the Malawi women’s national football team, the Scorchers. Together, they are responsible for an astounding roughly one-third of all international goals in the team’s history, a testament to their unparalleled contribution.
A pivotal moment in their careers, particularly for younger sister Temwa, traces back to Tabitha’s unwavering belief and personal sacrifice. Temwa openly shared how her elder sister personally guaranteed her big break in Europe. When Temwa first considered going to Sweden, the team owner expressed doubt that one family could produce two such talented players. Tabitha, undeterred, offered to cover all expenses for Temwa’s air ticket, visa, and more, promising reimbursement only if Temwa proved her worth. This bold gamble, born of sisterly trust, opened the door for Temwa to pursue a global career.
That leap of faith paid off massively. Temwa went on to conquer Chinese football with Wuhan Jianghan University before making a sensational impact in the NWSL with Kansas City Current, where she notably secured both the Golden Boot and the NWSL MVP awards. Her dedication is also evident in her intense agility training sessions with the Football Association of Malawi, demonstrating her commitment to her craft.
Tabitha, not to be outshone, has carved out her own illustrious career. She made history as the first African top scorer in Serie A with Inter Milan before joining French giants Olympique Lyonnais, where she cradled a winner’s trophy after a successful campaign. The successes of both sisters highlight their individual brilliance and collective power.
The 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco marked Malawi’s historic debut appearance, and the Scorchers, spearheaded by the Chawinga sisters, have turned their maiden run into a sensational story. They kicked off their Group C campaign with a stunning 3–2 victory over defending champions Nigeria, followed by a convincing 3–1 win against Egypt. Their momentum culminated in a tight quarter-final clash against Ghana, where Malawi mounted a second-half comeback to claim a 2–1 victory. This monumental win not only punched their ticket into the WAFCON semi-finals but also secured Malawi’s historic first-ever qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, a moment celebrated by Tabitha lifting Temwa, who proudly held aloft a World Cup Qualified shirt.
Malawi now faces Algeria in a high-stakes semi-final showdown at the Olympic Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, at 18:00 WAT, with a spot in the final on the line. Temwa Chawinga's standout performances at WAFCON have also earned her Woman of the Match awards, further solidifying her status alongside her NWSL Golden Boot and MVP silverware. The Chawinga sisters continue to inspire, driving the Scorchers’ incredible debut tournament and leaving an indelible mark on football history.