Debutants Malawi pulled off one of the most stunning results in the history of African women’s football by defeating 10-time champions Nigeria 3-2 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Tuesday night.
Malawi started with confidence and Nigeria’s early control did not translate into goals, as the Super Falcons pushed forward and generated multiple chances without finding a way through before halftime. The first half finished goalless, but the final stretch delivered a dramatic turnaround. Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga found the net, and six minutes later her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, extended the lead to two.
Nigeria refused to give up and received a lifeline in the 90th minute when skipper Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty. However, Malawi responded instantly after regulation ended, with Temwa Chawinga striking again in stoppage time at 90+6 to restore her side’s two-goal advantage.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu then helped narrow the gap with a goal nine minutes into added time, finishing 3-2 after linking up with a headed delivery from the right. Yet the Cup-holders could not find the equaliser as the match concluded with Malawi holding on.
The result carries extra pressure for Nigeria because the group’s other contest on Tuesday saw Zambia, inspired by Barbara Banda, overwhelm Egypt with six goals. With that in mind, the Super Falcons must quickly shift focus to their next Group C game against the in-form Zambians on Saturday, where taking maximum points will be crucial to keep their qualification hopes firmly on track.
