Debutants Malawi Stun Super Falcons 3-2 in Dramatic WAFCON Opener

RABAT, Morocco — Tournament debutants Malawi produced a sensational result as they defeated defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C opener at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday night.

The Scorchers, appearing at their first WAFCON, led through clinical finishing from the Chawinga sisters before holding off a late Nigerian fightback.

Temwa Chawinga opened the scoring in the 73rd minute. Her sister Tabitha Chawinga made it 2-0 in the 79th minute. Nigeria pulled one back through a Rasheedat Ajibade penalty in the 90+2nd minute, but Temwa restored the two-goal cushion in the 90+5th minute. Uchenna Kanu scored a late consolation for the Super Falcons in the 90+9th minute.

The first half finished goalless despite Nigeria dominating possession. Coach Justine Madugu’s side introduced several attacking substitutes after the break but were repeatedly caught on the counter by Malawi’s clinical forwards.

The result leaves the 10-time champions needing strong performances in their remaining Group C matches against Zambia and Egypt.