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Malawi turns its debut into a night that completely reshapes the WAFCON landscape
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The debutants faced the most dominant team in the tournament’s history and delivered an impossible-to-predict second half. Two sisters led a performance that completely transformed the start of Group C.
The Scorchers pull off a historic upset against Nigeria in Rabat
Malawi produced one of the biggest upsets in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Nigeria 3-2 at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.
The Scorchers were playing the first match in their history at the continental tournament finals and managed to defeat the defending champions and the most successful team in the competition, led by a decisive performance from sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga.
A first half that fueled Malawi’s confidence
Nigeria began the match looking to impose its experience and control possession, although it struggled enormously to turn that dominance into clear-cut opportunities.
Malawi remained compact, defended with discipline and waited for the right moment to take advantage of the pace of its main attacking threats.
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Temwa Chawinga changes the course of the match
The deadlock was finally broken in the 73rd minute.
Temwa Chawinga received an assist from Ireen Khumalo and scored Malawi’s first-ever WAFCON goal, putting the Scorchers ahead against the most successful national team on the continent.
The goal put Nigeria under pressure, and Malawi took advantage of the confusion to quickly extend its lead.
Only six minutes later, Tabitha Chawinga appeared inside the box to make it 2-0 following an assist from Sabina Thom.
Within a matter of minutes, the Chawinga sisters had put the debutants in a position that had seemed unthinkable before kickoff.
Nigeria tried to respond in stoppage time
Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the penalty spot to reduce the deficit to 2-1, briefly restoring hope for the Nigerian side.
However, Malawi responded before the champions could complete the comeback.
Malawi held on through a dramatic finish
In the 95th minute, Temwa Chawinga scored again to complete her brace and restore the Scorchers’ two-goal advantage.
Nigeria refused to surrender and pulled another goal back through Uchenna Kanu in the 99th minute, making it 3-2 and setting up a tense finish.
Malawi managed to withstand the Super Falcons’ final attempts and secured a victory that will remain one of the most significant results in the history of the competition.
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A historic result for Group C
The victory not only represented an unforgettable debut for Malawi, but also ended Nigeria’s record of never having lost to a WAFCON debutant since the tournament began in 1998.
The Scorchers began their campaign with a powerful statement, while Nigeria suffered an unexpected blow at the start of its title defense.
On a night defined by character, discipline and the talent of the Chawinga sisters, Malawi showed that it had arrived at the WAFCON ready to defy every prediction.
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