The Confederation of African Football (CAF) sent a congratulatory message to Malawi on social media after the Copper Queens pulled off one of the most stunning results in Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) history, beating the Super Falcons of Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C opener on Tuesday night at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
Nigeria arrived at the tournament as 10-time African champions and had never lost to a debutant side at the WAFCON since the competition began in 1998. Malawi ended both records in a single evening.
Match Summary: Chawinga Sisters Lead the Charge
The first half produced few clear separations between the two sides, but the Copper Queens found another level after the break. Temwa Chawinga opened the scoring in the 73rd minute, and her captain and sister, Tabita Chawinga, doubled the advantage six minutes later to put Malawi firmly in control.
Nigeria responded from the penalty spot in the second minute of stoppage time, with captain Rasheedat Ajibade converting calmly to bring the score to 2-1 and briefly raise hopes of a revival. Those hopes were extinguished almost immediately when Temwa Chawinga struck again three minutes later to restore the two-goal cushion and put the result firmly beyond doubt at 3-1.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back for Nigeria in the ninth minute of stoppage time to make it 3-2, but the Super Falcons ran out of time to mount a full comeback.
CAF's Official Reaction
CAF wasted no time in recognising the feat achieved by the Copper Queens after Malawi earned their first-ever win at WAFCON. The African body posted on X (formerly Twitter): "History for Malawi! ???" after the final whistle, marking what was the Scorchers' first competitive fixture at the continental finals.
Historic Context and Significance
The defeat marks a difficult start for Nigeria as they begin their defence of the continental crown. According to ESPN, the Super Falcons had been unbeaten against tournament debutants throughout WAFCON's history before Tuesday's result, making the loss all the more significant.
For Malawi, the win announced their arrival on the African stage in the most dramatic fashion possible. The Chawinga sisters were central to the triumph, combining for all three goals as the Scorchers delivered a performance that will be remembered long after the tournament concludes.
Group C Implications and What's Next
The result leaves Nigeria needing to regroup quickly in Group C, while Malawi can head into their next match with the confidence of a side that has already made history. With a Women's World Cup ticket also on the line, the pressure is now on the Super Falcons to bounce back against Zambia.
Asisat Oshoala, Nigeria's star forward, reacted to the defeat by urging fans to support the team, according to Legit.ng. She called for unity and focus ahead of the crucial upcoming fixtures, emphasizing that the tournament is far from over for the defending champions.
The Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabita, have become overnight sensations across Africa. Temwa, who plays for Kansas City Current in the NWSL, showcased her clinical finishing, while Tabita, her elder sister and the team captain, provided leadership and a goal of her own. Their partnership will be vital as Malawi aims to advance beyond the group stage in their debut WAFCON appearance.
Nigeria, meanwhile, will need to address defensive lapses and rediscover their attacking rhythm if they are to retain the title they have won for the past three editions. The Super Falcons have a deep squad, but Tuesday's result exposed vulnerabilities that opponents will seek to exploit.
