Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history after defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C match in Morocco on Tuesday.
Sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga inspired the remarkable victory, with Temwa scoring twice and Tabitha adding another as the tournament debutants stunned the record African champions at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.
The result was a major shock given the contrast between the two teams. Nigeria entered the tournament as the highest-ranked side among the 16 participants, while Malawi were the lowest-ranked and were making their first appearance at the continental finals.
Nigeria have featured at every edition of WAFCON and have won the competition 10 times, including the previous tournament after defeating hosts Morocco in the final.
Malawi, however, refused to be intimidated and matched the defending champions throughout a goalless first half.
The breakthrough arrived in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga raced beyond the Nigerian defence, took the ball past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and finished from a tight angle.
Malawi doubled their advantage six minutes later through Tabitha Chawinga, who beat Nnadozie to the ball before calmly guiding it into the empty net.
Nigeria were handed hope when nine minutes of stoppage time were added at the end of the second half.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade reduced the deficit from the penalty spot in the 92nd minute after Malawi were penalised for handball.
The Super Falcons’ celebrations were short-lived, however, as Temwa restored Malawi’s two-goal cushion moments later.
The Kansas City Current forward broke clear and lifted a composed finish over the advancing Nnadozie to score her second goal of the match.
Nigeria found the net again deep into stoppage time when Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo got a hand to Uchenna Kanu’s shot but could not stop the ball from crossing the line.
The final whistle followed shortly after the restart, confirming a famous victory for Malawi and denying Nigeria the opportunity to complete a late comeback.
The result left Malawi second in Group C with three points, level with Zambia but behind their southern African neighbours on goal difference.
Zambia moved to the top of the group after Barbra Banda scored four goals in a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt earlier on Tuesday.
Malawi will face Egypt in their next group match on Saturday, while Nigeria will take on Zambia. Victories for Malawi and Zambia would secure both teams places in the quarter-finals.
