Tournament debutants Malawi pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a dramatic Group C opener on Tuesday.
The Scorchers stunned the 10-time African champions with a spirited second-half display, inspired by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, to claim a memorable victory in their first-ever WAFCON match.
Malawi are among the two nations making their tournament debut following the expansion to a 16-team competition.
After a goalless first half, Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 69th minute, giving Malawi a deserved lead after capitalising on a defensive lapse by the Super Falcons.
Just five minutes later, captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled Malawi’s advantage with a composed finish, leaving Nigeria facing an unexpected defeat.
The defending champions responded late in the contest when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time (90+1′) to reduce the deficit and reignite hopes of a comeback.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu then levelled the score deep into added time (90+8′), appearing to have rescued a point for the Super Falcons.
However, Malawi refused to settle for a draw. In a dramatic twist, Temwa Chawinga struck again in the 95th minute to restore her side’s lead and seal a famous 3-2 victory.
The result marks a dream start to Malawi’s maiden WAFCON campaign while ending Nigeria’s unbeaten opening-match record as defending champions in heartbreaking fashion.
For the Super Falcons, the defeat leaves them under immediate pressure in Group C as they seek to revive their title defence in their remaining group-stage fixtures.
