Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title got off to a disappointing start after debutants Malawi secured a stunning 3-2 victory in their Group C opener on Tuesday.
The Scorchers produced one of the biggest surprises in WAFCON history, defeating the defending champions in their first-ever match at the continental tournament.
After a goalless first half, Malawi took control through star forward Temwa Chawinga, who opened the scoring in the 73rd minute. Just six minutes later, captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled the lead with a clinical finish, leaving the Super Falcons with a mountain to climb.
Nigeria responded in stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted a penalty to make it 2-1. However, Temwa Chawinga struck again moments later, producing a superb finish to restore Malawi’s two-goal advantage.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu scored deep into added time to reduce the deficit to 3-2, but the Super Falcons ran out of time as Malawi held on for a famous victory.
The result marks Malawi’s first win at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and immediately boosts their hopes of reaching the knockout stage. For Nigeria, the defeat is an early setback in their bid to defend the title they won last year and claim an 11th continental crown.
The Super Falcons will now look to bounce back in their next Group C match, while Malawi will aim to build on one of the most memorable victories in the tournament’s history.
