Malawi stun 10-time champions Nigeria in dramatic Women’s AFCON clash in Rabat

Malawi’s women produced a seismic upset at the 14th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by beating record winners Nigeria 3-2 in a dramatic Group C contest at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The debutants, facing the 10-time continental champions for the first time at this level, withstood sustained early pressure before seizing control in a frantic final 20 minutes to record one of the most remarkable results in African women’s football.

Nigeria, the defending champions, dominated large spells of the first half and carved out several clear chances but went into the break frustrated after failing to turn their superiority into a lead.

Malawi, who had spent much of the opening period on the back foot, remained compact and disciplined, restricting the Super Falcons to half-chances and keeping the game goalless at half-time.

Chawinga sisters transform the game

The match turned decisively in Malawi’s favour midway through the second half as the Chawinga sisters struck twice in quick succession.

With 73 minutes played, Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock, putting Malawi ahead and sending their bench into raptures. Six minutes later, her sister Tabitha Chawinga doubled the advantage, leaving Nigeria with a mountain to climb in the closing stages.

Those two goals stunned the Super Falcons, who suddenly found themselves trailing 2-0 despite having controlled much of the play and knowing that defeat would put their Group C campaign under immediate pressure.

Nigeria’s response came late but almost forced a remarkable turnaround.

Late drama as Nigeria fall short

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade pulled a goal back on 90 minutes from the penalty spot, briefly reviving Nigerian hopes of rescuing a point in Rabat.

However, any momentum the champions had built was checked deep into added time when Temwa Chawinga struck again in the 90+6th minute, restoring Malawi’s two-goal lead at 3-1 and putting them on the brink of a famous victory.

Nigeria refused to concede defeat and continued to push forward. Substitute Uchenna Kanu reduced the deficit once more nine minutes into stoppage time, turning in a chance created from a headed ball from the right to make it 3-2.

That goal set up a tense finale, but the final whistle followed shortly afterwards and the Super Falcons ran out of time to complete what would have been an extraordinary comeback.

Group C picture tightens

Earlier on Tuesday, Zambia, captained by Barbara Banda, had made a powerful start to their Group C campaign by hitting six goals past Egypt, underlining their status as dangerous contenders in the section.

The combination of Malawi’s shock win and Zambia’s emphatic victory leaves Nigeria under immediate pressure in the group and facing a crucial second fixture.

The Super Falcons now turn their focus to Saturday’s meeting with the in-form Zambians, a match in which maximum points will be vital if the defending champions are to restore their qualification prospects and keep their title defence on course.