Malawi Edge Super Falcons in WAFCON Defence Opener in Rabat

Malawi, in their Women Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) debut, produced a significant upset by defeating perennial champions Nigeria 3-2 in Rabat. The Super Falcons, despite early dominance and creating scoring chances, failed to find the net in a goalless first half.

The match ignited in the final twenty minutes. Malawi's Temwa Chawinga opened the scoring in the 73rd minute, and her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, extended the lead six minutes later. Nigeria's hopes were briefly revived when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 90th minute.

However, Temwa Chawinga struck again deep into stoppage time (90+6') to restore Malawi's two-goal advantage. A late consolation goal by substitute Uchenna Kanu in the ninth minute of added time, assisted by a header, brought the score to 3-2, but the Super Falcons ran out of time to complete a comeback.

With Zambia having secured a dominant 6-0 victory over Egypt in the other Group C match, Nigeria faces a crucial second Group C fixture against Zambia on Saturday. Securing maximum points in that match will be essential for the Super Falcons to get their qualification campaign back on track.

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Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria hope in the 90th minute by converting a penalty, but Temwa Chawinga struck again deep in stoppage time (90+6’) to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion.