Defending champions Nigeria suffered one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after tournament debutants Malawi claimed a stunning 3-2 victory in their Group C opener at the Al Madina Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Super Falcons, who came into the tournament chasing a record-extending 11th continental title, were left stunned as Malawi produced a fearless display inspired by star striker Temwa Chawinga, who scored twice to hand the Scorchers their first-ever WAFCON victory.
It was also Nigeria’s first defeat to a tournament debutant in the competition after avoiding such an upset in their previous 17 matches against first-time participants.
The opening half ended goalless, with Nigeria enjoying more possession and dictating the tempo. Justin Madugu’s side created several attacking moments through captain Rasheedat Ajibade and veteran striker Asisat Oshoala, but they found it difficult to break down a disciplined Malawian defence that remained compact and organised.
Malawi frustrated the African champions with determined defending and timely interceptions before springing forward on dangerous counter-attacks whenever the opportunity presented itself.
The game exploded into life after the break.
Malawi shocked the Super Falcons by taking the lead through Temwa Chawinga, whose pace and clinical finishing exposed Nigeria’s defensive weaknesses.
The goal jolted the Falcons into action as they responded strongly, scoring twice to overturn the deficit and briefly restore the expected order.
However, the resilient Scorchers refused to surrender. Instead, they continued to press forward with confidence and were rewarded with two more goals, including Chawinga’s second of the night, to complete one of the greatest upsets African women’s football has ever witnessed.
Before the match, virtually all predictions favoured Nigeria, who arrived with a squad packed with experienced stars and one of the strongest records in the tournament’s history.
The statistics were equally in the Falcons’ favour, having never previously lost a WAFCON match to a debutant nation.
But Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili had insisted before kick-off that his side did not travel to the tournament to make up the numbers.
His players backed up those words with a fearless performance, led by the dangerous Chawinga sisters, Tabitha and Temwa, who constantly troubled the Nigerian defence throughout the encounter.
The defeat leaves Nigeria without a point after the opening round of matches and piles immediate pressure on Madugu’s side as they attempt to defend their continental crown and secure qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Elsewhere in Group C, Zambia moved to the top of the standings after thrashing Egypt 6-0 earlier on Tuesday.
Nigeria must now recover quickly ahead of their crucial clash against Zambia on August 1, while Malawi will be aiming to continue their dream debut when they face Egypt in their second group game.
