A shocking WAFCON story unfolded in Rabat, Morocco, when tournament debutants Malawi stunned record champions Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C opener, raising questions about the Super Falcons’ quest for an 11th continental title.
Malawi, playing their first match at the continental finals, stunned the ten time champions with three second half goals at Al Madina Stadium, with sisters Temwa and Tabita Chawinga combining for the shock win.
Temwa Chawinga scored Malawi’s first and third goals, while her sister Tabita added the second, as the debutants built a commanding lead deep into stoppage time that Nigeria could not overturn.
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The result sends tongues wagging over the Super Falcons’ prospects of both retaining their continental crown and qualifying for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil through the tournament.
Nigeria will need to regroup quickly in their remaining group fixtures if they are to salvage their campaign and progress to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Football analysts say the shock defeat underscores the growing competitiveness of women’s football across the African continent, with smaller footballing nations increasingly capable of upsetting traditional powerhouses.
