The Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, produced a stunning performance as debutants Malawi defeated defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening Group C match at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Tuesday.
Temwa, who plays for Kansas City Current in the United States, scored twice, while her sister Tabitha, who represents French club Lyon, also found the net to complete one of the biggest upsets in the history of the tournament.
Nigeria, ranked 36th in the world, entered the match as the highest-ranked team among the 16 participating nations, while Malawi were ranked 153rd. The 117-place gap, however, proved meaningless as the debutants produced a memorable display against the record 10-time African champions.
Despite being widely regarded as underdogs, Malawi held Nigeria to a goalless draw in the first half at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat.
The Scorchers eventually broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga raced past Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie before finishing from a difficult angle.
Malawi doubled their advantage six minutes later as Tabitha Chawinga won possession ahead of Nnadozie and calmly slotted the ball into the net.
Nigeria pulled one goal back in the second minute of added time after a handball in the box allowed captain Rasheedat Ajibade to convert from the penalty spot.
However, Malawi quickly restored their two-goal cushion when Temwa Chawinga beat Nnadozie for the second time, expertly lifting the ball over the goalkeeper to make it 3-1.
Nigeria managed to reduce the deficit again deep into stoppage time when Uchenna Kanu’s effort found the net after Malawi goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo got a hand to the shot.
The Super Falcons were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle, as Malawi held on to secure a historic victory in their first-ever WAFCON appearance.
The result leaves Malawi second in Group C with three points, level with Zambia but behind on goal difference. Zambia had earlier recorded a commanding 6-0 victory over Egypt, with Barbra Banda scoring four goals and providing an assist.
Malawi and Zambia will face Egypt and Nigeria respectively in their next group matches on Saturday, with victories potentially securing their places in the quarter-finals.
