Agency Report
Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title suffered a major setback on Tuesday as tournament debutants Malawi stunned the defending champions 3-2 in their Group C opener.
The Scorchers produced a spirited display to hand the record 10-time African champions a losing start to the defence of their continental crown.
After a closely contested opening half, Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through Temwa Chawinga before captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled the advantage six minutes later to leave the Super Falcons with a mountain to climb.
Nigeria pulled one back in stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 90+2nd minute, raising hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Those hopes were short-lived as Temwa Chawinga struck again three minutes later to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion and put the result beyond doubt.
The Super Falcons, however, refused to give up, with substitute Uchenna Kanu scoring in the ninth minute of stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 3-2.
However, there was no time left to salvage a result as Malawi held on for a famous victory.
The result ranks among the biggest upsets in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with Malawi marking their tournament debut by defeating Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
Nigeria will now have to bounce back in their next Group C fixture to revive their campaign, while Malawi’s historic victory has significantly boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.
In the pre-match press conference, coach Lovemore Fazili set the tone from the outset: “Getting this far means that we are ready for this match.
“People may underestimate us but we are a good team, capable of causing an upset. We are not resigned victims.”
Captain Tabitha Chawinga approaches this historic encounter with boundless enthusiasm.
“It was my dream to play in the WAFCON. The time has come. We know Nigeria’s worth.
“They are a great nation but we must focus on ourselves. Our players need to compete without any inferiority complex,” she stated before the game.
