Debutants Malawi produced a major upset by defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.
Temwa Chawinga scored twice and her sister Tabitha once as the Scorchers took a 2-0 lead before Nigeria mounted a late fightback.
The first half ended goalless despite Nigeria’s dominance. Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, with Tabitha adding a second six minutes later.
Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the second minute of added time to reduce the deficit, but Temwa completed her brace in the 95th minute. Uchenna Kanu scored a late consolation in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
“It’s a famous win for Malawi! They have defeated Nigeria 2-3!” Channels Television reported at full time.
The result hands Malawi three points and leaves the Super Falcons searching for answers in their bid to qualify for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The tournament is being staged in Morocco.
