Women's AFCON 2026: Malawi tames Nigeria and its 10 stars
A sensational upset at Al Madina Stadium. In their very first Women's AFCON match, Malawi stunned Nigeria 3-2. The Super Falcons, reigning champions hunting for an 11th title, are already up against the wall.
The Chawinga sisters rule the pitch
It was a cagey affair for 75 minutes. Then Temwa Chawinga from Kansas City broke the deadlock. In the 75th minute, she fired past Nnadozie to put Malawi ahead. Just four minutes later came the hammer blow: her sister Tabitha Chawinga of OL Lyon extended the lead in the 79th. The Chawinga sisters sank Nigeria.
Too little, too late
The Super Falcons pushed hard at the end. Rasheedat Ajibade pulled one back in the 90+2. The glimmer of hope was short-lived. Malawi stayed cool under pressure. Temwa Chawinga struck again for her brace, delivering the killer blow in the 90+5. The Super Falcons reduced the deficit once more in the 90+9 through Uchenna Kanu. Final score: 3-2.
Group C already shaken up
With this result, Malawi jumps to second place in Group C, just behind Zambia, who thrashed Egypt 6-0. Nigeria now finds itself in third. And the next challenge is massive for the Super Falcons: they must beat Zambia, led by Barbra Banda, who scored four goals today. A rough start for the favorites. But for the Scorchers, it's a historic debut.
Africa
13 July 2026
World Cup 2026
11 July 2026
