Debutants Malawi made a remarkable start to their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign on Tuesday, defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a thrilling Group C encounter in Rabat.
The Scorchers secured one of the biggest victories in the tournament’s history through sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, who scored two and one goals respectively to hand the record 10-time champions a shock defeat.
After a closely contested first half, Temwa broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when she timed her run perfectly to beat Nigeria’s offside trap before calmly finishing past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
Six minutes later, younger sister Tabitha doubled Malawi’s lead after capitalising on a swift counter-attack to beat the Nigerian defence and make it 2-0.
Nigeria fought back through captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who converted a penalty to reduce the deficit and give the Super Falcons hope of a comeback.
However, Temwa Chawinga restored Malawi’s two-goal advantage deep into stoppage time with a superb long-range lob after spotting Nnadozie off her line.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu scored a late second goal for Nigeria, but Malawi held firm to claim a historic 3-2 victory.
The result represents a landmark moment for the tournament debutants, who defeated Africa’s most successful women’s football nation in their first-ever WAFCON appearance.
Nigeria, who entered the competition as reigning champions after winning 10 of the previous 13 editions, struggled to break down a well-organised Malawi side for much of the match.
The Super Falcons’ best opportunity before conceding came shortly after the hour mark, when Michelle Alozie was unable to convert a promising chance.
Ahead of the fixture, Temwa Chawinga had expressed confidence that Malawi could cause an upset against the African champions.
“To beat the defending champions would mean a lot to us,” she said, adding that victory in their opening match would boost the team’s confidence and belief.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zambia recorded a dominant 6-0 victory over Egypt to move top of Group C on goal difference, leaving Nigeria needing positive results in their remaining matches.
The Super Falcons will face Zambia on Saturday before concluding their group-stage campaign against Egypt.
