WAFCON: Debutant Malawi shock Super Falcons 3-2

Tournament debutants Malawi delivered one of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations' biggest upsets Tuesday, defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening Group C match. The Scorchers' spirited performance handed the 10-time African champions a losing start to their continental crown defense.

Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute with a goal from Temwa Chawinga. Captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled the lead six minutes later, leaving Nigeria with a significant deficit. Nigeria's hopes of a comeback flickered when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 90+2nd minute. However, Temwa Chawinga scored again in stoppage time to restore Malawi's two-goal advantage, sealing the victory.

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Getting this far means that we are ready for this match. People may underestimate us but we are a good team, capable of causing an upset. We are not resigned victims.

Substitute Uchenna Kanu scored in the ninth minute of stoppage time for Nigeria, but it was too late to salvage a result. Malawi held on for a famous win, marking their tournament debut by defeating Africa's most successful women's national team. The result ranks among the biggest upsets in the tournament's history.

Coach Lovemore Fazili had expressed confidence before the match, stating, "Getting this far means that we are ready for this match. People may underestimate us but we are a good team, capable of causing an upset. We are not resigned victims." Captain Tabitha Chawinga added, "It was my dream to play in the WAFCON. The time has come. We know Nigeria’s worth. They are a great nation but we must focus on ourselves. Our players need to compete without any inferiority complex."

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It was my dream to play in the WAFCON. The time has come. We know Nigeria’s worth. They are a great nation but we must focus on ourselves. Our players need to compete without any inferiority complex.