Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets in the history of the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C opener on Tuesday night in Rabat.
Making their tournament debut, the Scorchers stunned the 10-time African champions at Al Madina Stadium with an inspired second-half performance led by sisters Temwa and Tabita Chawinga.
Temwa Chawinga scored twice, while Tabita Chawinga added another as Malawi raced into a 3-1 lead deep into stoppage time before Nigeria mounted a late fightback through Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu.
The victory marked the first time Nigeria have lost to a debutant nation at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations since the tournament began in 1998.
Despite Nigeria enjoying more possession during the opening 45 minutes, the Super Falcons struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Malawi side.
The Scorchers remained compact in defence and looked dangerous on the counterattack, with the pace and creativity of the Chawinga sisters posing a constant threat.
As the first half ended goalless, Malawi’s confidence continued to grow while Nigeria became increasingly frustrated.
The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute when Ireen Khumalo set up Temwa Chawinga, who calmly finished to hand Malawi a shock 1-0 lead.
Just six minutes later, the Scorchers doubled their advantage. Sabina Thom provided the assist for Tabita Chawinga, who found the back of the net to leave Nigeria facing an unexpected defeat.
Nigeria pulled one back in the second minute of stoppage time after Ajibade converted from the penalty spot, giving the defending champions hope of an unlikely comeback.
However, Malawi quickly restored their two-goal cushion. In the fifth minute of added time, Benadetta Mkandawire assisted Temwa Chawinga for her second goal of the night, making it 3-1 and putting the result beyond doubt.
The Super Falcons refused to surrender and reduced the deficit again in the ninth minute of stoppage time through Uchenna Kanu.
The late goal set up a tense finish, but Malawi defended resolutely to secure a memorable 3-2 victory and one of the greatest results in the country’s football history.
The win gives the tournament newcomers a dream start to their maiden WAFCON campaign and sends a strong message to the rest of the field.
For Nigeria, the defeat represents a major setback in their quest to defend the continental title and serves as an early warning that their dominance in African women’s football will face stiff challenges in Morocco.
