The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026) Group C exploded into life with two unforgettable opening matches as tournament debutants Malawi stunned defending champions Nigeria, while Zambia sent a frightening title warning by thrashing Egypt in a ruthless attacking display.
Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title suffered a major setback after the Super Falcons slumped to a shock 3-2 defeat against WAFCON debutants Malawi in Rabat.
After an evenly contested first half, Malawi finally found the breakthrough in the 73rd minute when Temwa Chawinga fired home to silence the defending champions.
The Scorchers doubled their advantage just six minutes later as captain Tabitha Chawinga clinically finished to put Malawi in complete control.
Nigeria fought back in stoppage time through captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who calmly converted a penalty in the 92nd minute to reduce the deficit.
However, Temwa Chawinga struck again three minutes later to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion, completing her brace and all but sealing one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history.
The Super Falcons refused to give up, with Uchenna Kanu pulling another goal back in the 99th minute, but Malawi held on to secure a famous victory in their first-ever WAFCON match.
Temwa Chawinga’s outstanding display earned her the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match award as Malawi claimed three priceless points to make a dream start to their maiden appearance.
The defeat leaves Justine Madugu’s side under immediate pressure, with difficult fixtures against Zambia and Egypt now crucial if Nigeria are to reach the knockout stage and keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
While Malawi celebrated a historic triumph, Zambia produced the performance of the opening round by dismantling Egypt 6-0 to move top of WAFCON 2026 Group C.
The Copper Queens dominated from the opening whistle and went ahead in the 25th minute when veteran striker Racheal Nachula converted from the penalty spot.
Captain Barbra Banda then took centre stage.
The CAF Women’s Player of the Year doubled Zambia’s lead from another penalty in the 60th minute before adding her second just three minutes later after being brilliantly set up by Prisca Chilufya.
Banda completed her hat-trick in the 87th minute before Eneless Phiri added a fifth goal in stoppage time after being assisted by the Zambia captain.
There was still time for Banda to complete a remarkable four-goal haul in the 96th minute, finishing off a fine assist from Racheal Kundananji to seal a crushing 6-0 victory.
Her extraordinary performance earned her the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match award and reinforced Zambia’s credentials as one of the favourites for the continental crown.
Following the opening round of matches, Zambia sit top of Group C on goal difference, while Malawi occupy second place after their historic victory over Nigeria.
The Super Falcons now face enormous pressure to respond against Zambia in what is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s biggest group-stage encounters.