SCORCHERS SHOCK NIGERIA 3-2 IN WAFCON 2026
WAFCON debutants Malawi stun 10-time champions in Rabat thriller
Malawi wrote their name into African football history with a stunning 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria in their Group C opener at Al Madina Stadium.
The Scorchers, playing their first ever WAFCON finals, toppled the Super Falcons who have dominated the competition with 10 titles.
Coach Lovemore Fazili’s side weathered early pressure and defended with discipline for 70 minutes. The game turned late when the Chawinga sisters took over.
Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute with a clinical finish. Six minutes later, captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled the lead to send the Malawi bench and fans into wild celebrations.
Nigeria pulled one back in the 90th minute through captain Rasheedat Ajibade’s penalty after a handball by defender Mkandawire. But Temwa had the final word in the 95th minute, slotting home her second to make it 3-1.
There was late drama when Uchenna Kanu struck in the 98th minute for Nigeria, but Malawi held firm to secure a famous 3-2 win.
The result puts Malawi second in Group C on 3 points, behind Zambia who beat Egypt 6-0 earlier on Tuesday.
For a nation that had waited decades for this stage, beating the only African team to reach World Cup and Olympic knockout rounds is a landmark moment.
What’s next:
Malawi face Egypt on Saturday, 1 August at Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan, before a Group C decider against Zambia on Wednesday, 5 August.