Malawi beats Nigeria 3-2 in WAFCON 2026 opening match

In a historic upset, tournament debutants Malawi defeated the defending champion Nigeria 3-2 in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, July 28, in Rabat. The stunning Group C result, powered by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, delivered one of the biggest shocks in the competition’s history and immediately complicated Nigeria’s title defense.

The match at Rabat’s Al Madina Stadium was tightly contested in the first half, ending goalless despite Nigeria creating several opportunities and enjoying more possession. The game transformed dramatically in the final twenty minutes. Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga timed her run to beat the offside trap and slotted the ball past goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Just six minutes later, her sister Tabitha doubled the lead on a swift counterattack, capitalizing on a defensive miscommunication to make it 2-0.

Nigeria, the record ten-time champions, fought back. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 90th minute to cut the deficit and revive hopes of a comeback. Those hopes were extinguished deep into stoppage time, however, as Temwa Chawinga completed her brace...