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Malawi Upsets Nigeria 3-2 in WAFCON Debut

Reshaping Group C, the result raises pressure on Nigeria because WAFCON semifinalists earn direct berths to the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

Doris Boaduwaa (L) playing for  Ghana against Morocco at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations.
Temwa Chawinga scored twice for Malawi in a stunning WAFCON victory over Nigeria.

Overview

  • Malawi beat 10-time champions Nigeria 3-2 in Rabat, with Temwa Chawinga scoring twice and sister Tabitha Chawinga adding the other goal in a late flurry of scoring in the second half on Tuesday.
  • The win came in Malawi’s first-ever WAFCON match and was a major upset given Nigeria’s No. 36 ranking versus Malawi’s No. 153.
  • Lengthy added time produced dramatic swings: Nigeria pulled a penalty back through captain Rasheedat Ajibade before Temwa restored the two-goal cushion and Uchenna Kanu’s late strike proved too late to change the outcome.
  • The result leaves Malawi on three points and second in Group C behind Zambia, which leads the group after a 6-0 victory over Egypt earlier the same day.
  • Beyond the shock scoreline, the match highlighted the growing impact of Europe and NWSL-based players on African teams and immediately widens the path to World Cup qualification for an underdog side and its players seeking overseas opportunities.