Malawi Stun Super Falcons as Chawinga Sisters Make WAFCON History

Posted : 31 July 2026

Malawi produced one of the biggest shocks in Women's Africa Cup of Nations history after defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C opener in Morocco.

The Scorchers, making their first appearance at the continental tournament, overcame the 10-time African champions with an outstanding display led by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. Their victory secured Malawi's first-ever WAFCON win and immediately transformed the complexion of Group C.

Nigeria entered the competition as overwhelming favourites. The Super Falcons have dominated African women's football for decades, winning 10 of the previous 14 WAFCON titles and establishing themselves as the continent's most successful national team.

Malawi, however, showed little sign of nerves. They matched Nigeria's intensity throughout the contest and capitalised on their chances with clinical finishing.

Temwa Chawinga delivered another performance that underlined her status as one of Africa's finest footballers. The Kansas City Current forward scored twice, including Malawi's first-ever goal at the Women's Africa Cup of Nations, while her sister Tabitha added the third to complete a memorable family display.

Nigeria fought back through captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who converted a penalty, and Grace Kanu, but the Super Falcons were unable to find a late equaliser despite increased pressure in the closing stages.

The defeat came after a difficult build-up for Nigeria. Days before the tournament opener, forward Esther Okoronkwo reported that money had been stolen from her hotel room in Morocco. The Nigerian Football Federation later confirmed that the suspect had been arrested, convicted and the stolen money recovered, while insisting the incident would not distract the team.

Despite the off-field setback, Nigeria's struggles on the pitch also exposed tactical and defensive weaknesses against an energetic Malawi side that pressed aggressively and attacked with pace throughout the match.

The result highlights the rapid growth of women's football across Africa. Teams once considered outsiders are becoming increasingly competitive, making the gap between traditional powers and emerging nations smaller than ever before.

Malawi's historic victory lifted them to the top of Group C and strengthened their hopes of reaching the knockout stage in their debut appearance. For Nigeria, the defeat leaves little room for error ahead of a decisive clash against Zambia.

The Super Falcons now need a positive result to keep their title defence alive and maintain their hopes of qualifying for the knockout rounds and the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, with only the tournament's semi-finalists guaranteed qualification.

Malawi Stun Super Falcons as Chawinga Sisters Make WAFCON History

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