Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title got off to a disastrous start on Tuesday after the Super Falcons slumped to a stunning 3-2 defeat against tournament debutants Malawi at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
In what will go down as one of the biggest upsets in the history of African women’s football, the reigning champions dominated large spells of the contest but were ruthlessly punished by an inspired Malawi side led by the devastating Chawinga sisters.
Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 69th minute before her elder sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled Malawi’s advantage five minutes later.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a stoppage-time penalty in the 92nd minute to revive Nigeria’s hopes, but Temwa struck again three minutes later following a lightning-fast counterattack to restore the Scorchers’ two-goal cushion.
Although substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back in the 98th minute, it proved nothing more than a consolation as Malawi celebrated a famous victory on their WAFCON debut.
