Despite a 2-1 loss to Zambia, outsider nation Malawi secured a spot in the WAFCON quarter-finals, outranking rivals Nigeria and Zambia on head-to-head records. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, facing criticism over a shelved World Cup investment plan, was present to witness the upset.

• Malawi, the lowest-ranked qualifier, finished first in Group C and will advance to face Ghana or Mali.
• FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under scrutiny following backlash from a leaked plan for private investment in the World Cup.
• Nigeria, 10-time champions, also advanced, hammering Egypt 6-2.