Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) witnessed one of the biggest upsets in its history on Tuesday night, July 28, 2026, as tournament debutants Malawi delivered a sensational 3-2 victory over the defending champions and 10-time winners, Nigeria's Super Falcons. In a dramatic Group C encounter at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, the Scorchers, ranked 153rd in the world, defied all odds to topple the continent's most successful side, ranked 36th globally. The result not only ended Nigeria's long-standing record of never having lost to a team making its WAFCON debut but also immediately announced Malawi as a formidable force in African women's football.
For much of the first half, the Super Falcons, chasing a record-extending 11th continental crown, looked like the dominant side. Nigeria controlled large spells of possession and created several promising opportunities. Osinachi Ohale and Esther Okoronkwo came close to breaking the deadlock, but a disciplined and well-organised Malawian defence, guided by coach Lovemore Fazili, managed to keep the champions at bay. Meanwhile, the Scorchers remained a constant threat on the counter-attack, with the pace and attacking prowess of the Chawinga sisters—Temwa and Tabitha—keeping the Nigerian backline on high alert. Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action on several occasions to deny Malawi, ensuring the scores remained level at 0-0 heading into the break.
The second half, however, exploded into life. Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Kansas City Current striker Temwa Chawinga, a two-time National Women's Soccer League MVP, scored her country's first-ever WAFCON goal. After capitalising on a defensive lapse, she calmly slotted the ball into a wide-open net to give the Scorchers a stunning 1-0 lead. The goal ignited the Malawian bench and supporters, but the celebrations were just beginning.
Just six minutes later, in the 79th minute, Malawi captain and Lyon forward Tabitha Chawinga doubled her team's advantage, extending the lead to 2-0 and leaving the defending champions reeling. The Super Falcons suddenly faced a mountain to climb against a team playing in its first-ever WAFCON match.
Nigeria refused to surrender, throwing numbers forward in search of a way back into the game. Their persistence paid off deep into stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty. In the 91st minute, Paris Saint-Germain forward and Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up and calmly converted to reduce the deficit to 2-1, giving Nigeria a glimmer of hope.
However, Malawi responded with incredible composure. In the 95th minute, the indomitable Temwa Chawinga struck again, scoring her second goal of the night to restore the Scorchers' two-goal cushion at 3-1. The strike seemed to have put the game beyond doubt, but the drama was far from over.
In the 98th minute, substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back for the Super Falcons, making it 3-2 and setting up a nail-biting finish. Despite sustained pressure and a tense final few moments, Malawi held their nerve. The final whistle confirmed a historic result, sparking wild celebrations from the Malawian players and fans, who had just witnessed their team secure one of the most significant victories in the competition's history.
The result leaves Malawi second in Group C with three points, behind group leaders Zambia, who delivered a statement performance earlier in the day with a 6-0 demolition of Egypt. For the Super Falcons, the defeat is a major setback at the start of their title defence. With Zambia also showing formidable form, Nigeria now faces an uphill battle to progress from the group stage, with their next fixture against the Group C leaders on Saturday. For Malawi, the dream debut continues as they prepare to face Egypt in their next match, hoping to build on the momentum of a night that will be remembered in their football history for generations to come.
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