Nigeria’s bid to win a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title suffered an early setback on Tuesday after the Super Falcons were beaten 3-2 by tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opening fixture.
The Scorchers produced a spirited performance to shock the defending champions and secure a memorable victory in their first-ever WAFCON match.
Following a closely fought first half, Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through star forward Temwa Chawinga. The Scorchers doubled their advantage six minutes later when captain Tabitha Chawinga found the back of the net, leaving the Super Falcons with a difficult task.
Nigeria reduced the deficit in the second minute of stoppage time after captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted a penalty, offering the nine-time champions a glimmer of hope.
However, Malawi responded almost immediately as Temwa Chawinga grabbed her second goal of the match in the fifth minute of added time to restore the two-goal cushion and put the contest beyond Nigeria’s reach.
Substitute Uchenna Kanu pulled another goal back for the Super Falcons in the ninth minute of stoppage time, but it proved too late as Malawi held on to claim a famous 3-2 victory and make a dream start to their WAFCON campaign.
The defeat leaves Nigeria under pressure ahead of their remaining Group C fixtures as they seek to keep their title defence alive.
 title suffered an early setback on Tuesday after the Super Falcons were beaten 3-2 by tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opening fixture.){kind=link}