RABAT — History was made in Morocco as tournament debutants Malawi delivered one of the biggest shocks in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history, defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a thrilling Group C encounter at the Al Madina Stadium.
Powered by the brilliance of football’s most feared sister duo, Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, the Malawian national team, affectionately known as “The Scorchers,” stunned the continent by overcoming the 10-time African champions and announcing themselves as a serious force on the biggest stage.
The victory marked a landmark moment for Malawi, who arrived at their first-ever WAFCON tournament determined to compete — and left with one of the greatest results in the competition’s history.
A Tactical Battle That Exploded After the Break
The opening half belonged largely to the experienced Super Falcons, who dominated possession and looked to impose their traditional authority on the contest.
Nigeria controlled the tempo, pushing Malawi deep into their own half and creating several promising opportunities. However, the disciplined Scorchers defence remained organised, absorbing the pressure and frustrating Nigeria’s attacking threats.
Despite the Super Falcons’ dominance, Malawi held firm to take the teams into the halftime break level, keeping their historic dream alive.
The second half, however, transformed the match into a spectacle.
In the 73rd minute, Malawi struck first. A rapid counter-attacking move opened space behind the Nigerian defence, allowing Temwa Chawinga to showcase her composure and fire past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to give the underdogs a stunning lead.
The Scorchers were not finished.
Just six minutes later, captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled Malawi’s advantage. Using her explosive pace, intelligence, and experience gained from playing at the highest level in Europe, the forward broke through Nigeria’s defensive lines before calmly finishing to make it 2-0.
A Dramatic Stoppage-Time Thriller in Rabat
With Malawi appearing destined for a famous victory, the closing moments produced a breathtaking finale that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Nigeria refused to surrender and launched a desperate late comeback attempt.
The drama unfolded in a chaotic sequence of stoppage-time action:
- 90+2′ — The Super Falcons pulled one goal back, giving themselves renewed hope of salvaging a result.
- 90+5′ — Malawi responded immediately, restoring their two-goal cushion and pushing the scoreline to 3-1.
- 90+9′ — Nigeria continued fighting until the final whistle, with Rasheedat Ajibade and Uchenna Kanu combining to produce another late strike, reducing the deficit to 3-2.
Despite Nigeria’s relentless pressure during nine minutes of added time, Malawi stood strong to secure a famous victory that will be remembered for generations.
A Historic Statement From The Scorchers
For Nigeria head coach Justine Madugu and the Super Falcons, the defeat represents a major setback. The African giants entered the tournament with a proud record and had never previously lost to a WAFCON debutant.
They will now be forced to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next crucial Group C fixture against fellow continental heavyweights Zambia.
For Malawi, however, this was more than just three points — it was a statement.
Making their first appearance at the WAFCON finals, the Scorchers have announced that they are not in Morocco simply to participate. With the Chawinga sisters leading the charge, Malawi has already written one of the most unforgettable chapters in African women’s football history.
