Malawi produced one of the biggest surprises in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history on Tuesday, defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in Rabat thanks to a dazzling display from sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga.
Ranked 153rd in the world before the tournament, Malawi arrived in Morocco as outsiders with little expectation. Nigeria, by contrast, entered the competition as the highest-ranked side in the field and favourites to retain the title they won in 2024.
For much of the opening hour, the gulf in reputation was impossible to spot.
Malawi defended with discipline, frustrated Nigeria’s attack and gradually grew in confidence. The breakthrough came in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga, who plays for Kansas City Current in the United States, raced through on goal, rounded Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and calmly finished from a tight angle.
Six minutes later, the underdogs doubled their advantage. Tabitha Chawinga, the elder of the two sisters and a forward for French giants Lyon, chased down a loose ball, beat Nnadozie to the challenge and slid her effort into the empty net to leave Nigeria reeling.
Nigeria refused to surrender. Deep into stoppage time, captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty after a handball decision to reduce the deficit and briefly raise hopes of a dramatic comeback.
Those hopes lasted only moments.
Temwa Chawinga struck again almost immediately, lifting the ball delicately over the advancing Nnadozie after another swift counterattack to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion.
Nigeria pulled another goal back in the closing moments when Uchenna Kanu’s effort crossed the line despite goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo getting a hand to the ball. The final whistle sounded almost straight after the restart, ending the champions’ comeback attempt and sealing a famous victory for Malawi.
The result ranks among the greatest shocks since the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations began in 1998. Nigeria have appeared in every edition of the tournament and have lifted the trophy a record 10 times. Malawi, meanwhile, are making their debut at the continental showpiece.
Earlier on Tuesday, Zambia also made an emphatic statement in Group C with a 6-0 victory over Egypt. Captain Barbra Banda scored four goals and provided another as the Copper Queens moved top of the group on goal difference.
After the opening round of matches, Zambia and Malawi sit level on three points. They will face Egypt and Nigeria respectively on Saturday, with victories guaranteeing both southern African nations places in the quarter-finals.
For Malawi, the triumph was more than three points. It was a reminder that reputation alone wins nothing, and that belief, organisation and clinical finishing can still reshape the script on African football’s biggest stage.
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