Chawinga Sisters Inspire Malawi to Historic WAFCON Shock Against Nigeria

Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history on Tuesday night, defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a thrilling Group C opener to register a dream debut at the continental tournament.

The Scorchers, making their first-ever appearance at the WAFCON finals, stunned the 10-time African champions with an outstanding second-half display at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

Temwa Chawinga scored twice while her sister, captain Tabitha Chawinga, added another as Malawi raced into a 3-
1 lead before surviving a late Nigerian fightback.

Nigeria dominated possession during a goalless first half but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Malawi side that remained compact defensively while looking to exploit the pace and quality of the Chawinga sisters on the counterattack.

The breakthrough arrived in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga finished from Ireen Khumalo’s assist to give Malawi a deserved lead.

Just six minutes later, Tabitha Chawinga doubled the advantage after being set up by Sabina Thom, leaving the reigning champions staring at a shock opening-day defeat.

The Super Falcons found hope in the second minute of stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit.

However, Malawi restored their two-goal cushion three minutes later as Temwa Chawinga grabbed her second of the night, finishing off an assist from Benadetta Mkandawire to make it 3-1.

Nigeria mounted one final push, with Uchenna Kanu scoring in the ninth minute of added time, but it proved too little, too late as Malawi held on for a famous victory.

The defeat ended Nigeria’s remarkable record of never previously losing to a WAFCON debutant since the competition began in 1998 and handed the Super Falcons a damaging start to their title defence.