Malawi head coach Lovemore Fazili praised his squad’s depth and composure after the Scorchers stunned ten-time champions Nigeria 3-2, a result that has significantly boosted the debutants’ hopes of reaching the knockout stage for the first time.
Fazili credited the blend of youth and experience within his squad for the famous win. “A combination of young and experienced players helped us defeat Nigeria,” he said after the match, reflecting on a performance that will go down as one of the greatest upsets in WAFCON history.
The Scorchers weathered an even opening period before seizing control in the second half. Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, converting a pass from Ireen Khumalo to net Malawi’s first-ever WAFCON goal.
Captain Tabitha Chawinga struck six minutes later, doubling the lead from an assist by Sabina Thom and leaving the Super Falcons chasing the game.
Nigeria captain Rasheedat Ajibade offered a lifeline deep into stoppage time, slotting home a penalty in the 90+2nd minute to spark hopes of a comeback. Those hopes evaporated quickly, though, as Temwa Chawinga completed her brace three minutes later, putting the result beyond doubt. Substitute Uchenna Kanu found the net in the ninth minute of added time to make it 3-2, but the Super Falcons ran out of time to force an equalizer.
By holding firm until the final whistle, Malawi handed Nigeria a losing start to their title defence and dealt a major blow to the Super Falcons’ quest for a record-extending 11th continental crown.
The Scorchers, meanwhile, marked their tournament debut by toppling Africa’s most successful women’s national team, a result that instantly reshaped the outlook in Group C.
Fazili’s men now sit level on points with group leaders Zambia, who thrashed Egypt 6-0 in the day’s other fixture, and Malawi will look to build on the momentum when they face Egypt in their next outing. Nigeria, by contrast, must regroup quickly, with their World Cup qualification hopes now hanging in the balance ahead of a decisive clash against Zambia.
For a team appearing at its first-ever WAFCON finals, Tuesday’s win represents a landmark achievement, one that Fazili and his players will hope marks the beginning of an even longer run in Morocco.
