Defending champions Nigeria suffered one of the biggest upsets in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history after tournament debutants Malawi claimed a stunning 3-2 victory in their Group C opener on Tuesday night in Rabat.
The Scorchers produced a memorable performance at Al Madina Stadium, with sisters Temwa Chawinga and Tabita Chawinga leading the charge to hand Malawi a famous victory over Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
Temwa scored twice while Tabita added another as Malawi raced into a 3-1 lead before the Super Falcons mounted a late fightback through Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu.
The defeat ended Nigeria’s long-standing record of never losing to a debutant nation in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since the competition began in 1998.
Malawi Hold Their Own in Cagey First Half
The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, but Malawi showed they were more than capable of matching the 10-time African champions.
Nigeria dominated possession for long spells but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Malawian defence.
The Scorchers remained compact and relied on the pace and attacking quality of the Chawinga sisters whenever opportunities arose, frustrating the Super Falcons throughout the first half.
Chawinga Sisters Take Control
Malawi’s breakthrough came in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga finished clinically after being set up by Ireen Khumalo to stun the defending champions.
Just six minutes later, the Scorchers doubled their advantage.
Tabita Chawinga found the back of the net after an assist from Sabina Thom, putting Malawi firmly in control at 2-0.
With Nigeria chasing the game, Malawi struck another decisive blow deep into stoppage time.
Benadetta Mkandawire provided the assist for Temwa Chawinga, who completed her brace in the fifth minute of added time to make it 3-1.
Super Falcons’ Late Fightback Falls Short
Nigeria finally responded in the second minute of stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit.
The Super Falcons continued to press forward and Uchenna Kanu scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time to make it 3-2, but there was not enough time to salvage a point.
Malawi held firm through the closing moments to seal a famous victory and announce themselves on the continental stage in remarkable fashion.
The result gives the tournament debutants a dream start to their WAFCON 2026 campaign, while Nigeria’s hopes of successfully defending their title have suffered an early setback, leaving the Super Falcons with work to do in their remaining Group C fixtures.
