Chawinga sisters ‘Barbecue’ Falcons on WAFCON debut

By Angu Lesley

Football Writer, kick442.com-Cameroon

Tournament debutants Malawi announced their arrival on the continental stage in sensational fashion, defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a dramatic Group C opener at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Tuesday.  

The Super Falcons, chasing a record-extending 11th continental crown, dominated possession for large spells of the first half but struggled to break down a disciplined Malawian defence marshalled by the experienced Chawinga sisters. Despite Nigeria creating the better openings, the teams went into the break deadlocked at 0-0.

The contest burst into life after the interval.

Malawi struck the first blow in the 73rd minute when star forward Temwa Chawinga found the back of the net to hand the tournament newcomers a shock lead. Just six minutes later, her sister Tabitha Chawinga doubled the advantage, finishing clinically to leave the defending champions on the brink of an opening-day defeat.

Nigeria mounted a late response and were handed a lifeline in the 90th minute after winning a penalty. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade kept her composure from the spot to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.

However, Malawi responded almost immediately. Three minutes later, Temwa Chawinga struck again, completing her brace to restore the Scorchers’ two-goal cushion and seemingly put the result beyond doubt.

The Super Falcons refused to surrender, with Uchenna Kanu scoring deep into stoppage time to make it 3-2. But despite piling on the pressure in the closing moments, Nigeria could not find a dramatic equaliser as Malawi held firm to seal one of the greatest upsets in WAFCON history.

The famous victory gives Malawi a dream start to their maiden WAFCON campaign and sends them to the top of Group C, while Nigeria are left with work to do if they are to keep their hopes of defending the title alive.

Temwa Chawinga’s outstanding two-goal display proved decisive as the Scorchers produced a memorable performance to stun Africa’s most successful women’s national team and announce themselves on the biggest stage of African women’s football.