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Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history by beating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening Group C match at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, Footynaija reports.
The Super Falcons controlled much of the first half and created the better chances, but Malawi stayed disciplined and frustrated the 10-time African champions. The breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute when Kansas City Current star Temwa Chawinga finished calmly to give the tournament debutants a shock lead.
Just five minutes later, Malawi struck again. Captain Tabitha Chawinga, who had jokingly asked Nigeria before the match not to beat her side 5-0, doubled the advantage in the 74th minute to leave Justin Madugu’s team facing a huge challenge.
Nigeria refused to give up and found hope deep into stoppage time. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 92nd minute to reduce the deficit and give the Super Falcons belief that they could rescue a point.
However, Malawi responded immediately. In the 95th minute, Temwa Chawinga raced onto a counterattack, chipped over the Nigerian goalkeeper and scored her second goal of the evening to restore her side’s two-goal cushion.
There was still time for more drama as Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back in the 98th minute, but Malawi held on to seal a famous 3-2 victory.
The result marks the first time Nigeria have lost a WAFCON match to a tournament debutant, ending a record of 16 wins and one draw against first-time participants.
Zambia now lead Group C after a 6-0 win over Egypt, with Malawi second on goal difference. Nigeria must now avoid defeat against Zambia on August 1 to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage alive.
