Debutants Malawi produced one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), defeating 10-time champions Nigeria 3-2 in their encounter at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.
Despite dominating early on and creating several scoring opportunities, the Super Falcons were unable to break the deadlock in a goalless first half.
The match exploded then into life in the final twenty minutes.
Malawi took the lead in the 73rd minute through Temwa Chawinga, before her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, doubled the advantage six minutes later. 2-0!!
The Super Falcons were stunned but looked for a way back into the encounter.
Nigeria pushed forward in the closing stages and finally found a way back in the second minute of stoppage time.
Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade gave Nigeria a glimmer of hope in the 90th minute by converting a penalty to make the scores 2-1.
At that point, Nigeria had momentum and looked capable of forcing a late equaliser.
However, Temwa Chawinga struck again deep in stoppage time (90+6’) to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion.
Nine minutes into added time, Nigeria scored again through Uchenna Kanu that brought the scoreline to 3-2, but time ran out for the Cup-holders to complete the comeback.
The result ended Nigeria’s proud record of never losing to a debutant team at the WAFCON since the competition began in 1998.
The final whistle confirmed a historic result for the Scorchers and a painful defeat for the Super Falcons as Malawi have announced themselves on the African stage in unforgettable fashion.
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For Malawi, it was a historic statement on their tournament debut. For Nigeria, it was a damaging start to their title defence and a reminder that their status alone will not be enough in Morocco.
With Barbara Banda-led Zambia pumping six goals past Egypt in the opening match of Group C , the Super Falcons will immediately turn their attention to their second Group C fixture against the rampant Zambians on Saturday.
Maximum points will be essential to put Nigeria’s qualification drive back on track.
