WAFCON 2026: Debutant Malawi survive late drama in opener to stun Nigeria in 3-2 win

Malawi put up a spirited performance on Tuesday night to produce one of the biggest upsets in Women's Africa Cup of Nations history, beating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C opener.

Led up front by the Chawinga sisters, the Scorchers overturned the odds at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat to hand the Super Falcons their first-ever WAFCON defeat against a debutant nation.

Temwa Chawinga scored twice, while her sister, Tabita Chawinga, also found the net to inspire Malawi to a memorable victory.

On the night, Nigeria enjoyed the larger share of possession during a goalless first half but struggled to break down the Malawi defence.

After the break, Malawi looked more promising and even had a goal disallowed for offside before making the breakthrough in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga finished confidently after being picked out by Ireen Khumalo.

Malawi then doubled their advantage just six minutes later as Tabita Chawinga converted Sabina Thom's pass to leave the defending champions on the brink of defeat.

Nigeria pulled one back in the second minute of stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted a penalty to reduce the deficit.

However, Temwa Chawinga showed composure and class to score her second goal a few minutes later and restore her side's two-goal cushion.

Although Uchenna Kanu scored deep into stoppage time to make it 3-2, Nigeria could not complete the comeback and suffered a rare defeat at the end of the 90 minutes.