Malawi Shock Super Falcons 3-2 in Historic WAFCON Upset

Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after falling 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening Group C match at Al Madina/Stade El Barid in Rabat.

Despite dominating possession in a goalless first half, the nine-time champions failed to capitalize on their chances as Malawi produced a remarkable second-half performance.

The breakthrough came in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga fired Malawi into the lead. Her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled the advantage six minutes later before Temwa struck again in stoppage time to make it 3-0.

Nigeria mounted a late comeback after captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty, while Uchenna Kanu added another goal deep into stoppage time. However, the Super Falcons were unable to complete the comeback as Malawi held on for a famous victory.

The result ended Nigeria’s 27-year unbeaten record against WAFCON debutants, a streak dating back to the tournament’s inception in 1998, during which the Super Falcons recorded 16 wins and one draw in 17 matches.

The defeat leaves Nigeria third in Group C and under pressure ahead of their next fixture against Zambia on Saturday, August 1, where a positive result will be crucial to keeping their title defence on track.

Malawi’s victory marks one of the most memorable results in the competition’s history and signals the growing competitiveness of women’s football across Africa.