Tournament debutants Malawi produced one of the greatest upsets in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after stunning defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a dramatic Group C encounter at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday night.
The result ended the Super Falcons’ unbeaten start to their title defence and handed Malawi a famous victory on their first-ever appearance at the continental championship.
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Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances during the opening half, Nigeria failed to make their superiority count as both sides went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.
The contest burst into life in the final 20 minutes when Temwa Chawinga fired Malawi into the lead in the 73rd minute before her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled the advantage six minutes later to leave the defending champions reeling.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade reignited Nigeria’s hopes by calmly converting a penalty in the 90th minute to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
However, Malawi responded almost immediately as Temwa Chawinga grabbed her second goal of the night in the sixth minute of stoppage time to restore her side’s two-goal cushion and seemingly put the contest beyond Nigeria’s reach.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu gave the Super Falcons one final lifeline when she headed home deep into added time after connecting with a cross from the right to make it 3-2. But despite a late surge, Nigeria was unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle.
The defeat leaves the 10-time African champions under immediate pressure in Group C, especially after Zambia, inspired by captain Barbra Banda, opened their campaign with an emphatic 6-0 victory over Egypt earlier on Tuesday.
Nigeria will now face Zambia in a crucial second group match on Saturday, knowing that victory could be vital to keeping their hopes of reaching the knockout stage—and qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup—firmly on track.
