Nigeria’s defence of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title began with a disappointing 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in a dramatic Group C encounter on Tuesday night in Rabat, Morocco.
The defending champions entered the match as favourites but were punished by a clinical Malawi side inspired by sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, who combined to hand the Scorchers a famous victory on their WAFCON debut.
Despite dominating possession and creating the better chances for much of the contest, the Super Falcons failed to make their superiority count against a disciplined Malawian defence.
Chawinga sisters punish wasteful Nigeria
Nigeria controlled large spells of the first half but struggled to break down Malawi’s backline, while goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was called into action to deny the Scorchers on several occasions and keep the scores level before the interval.
Head coach Justine Madugu introduced Toni Payne after the restart in a bid to inject more creativity into the attack, but Malawi continued to frustrate the defending champions and remained dangerous on the counterattack.
The breakthrough finally came in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga finished off a swift attacking move to put Malawi ahead.
Six minutes later, Tabitha Chawinga doubled the lead after capitalising on defensive lapses to leave Nigeria with a mountain to climb.
Late rally falls short
The Super Falcons pushed forward in search of a way back into the game and were rewarded with a penalty in stoppage time after sustained pressure inside the Malawi penalty area.
Captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted from the spot in the second minute of added time to reduce the deficit and raise hopes of a dramatic comeback.
However, Temwa Chawinga struck again three minutes later to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion and complete her brace.
Nigeria refused to give up, with Uchenna Kanu scoring in the 99th minute to set up a tense finish, but the Scorchers held firm to secure a historic victory over the reigning African champions.
