By Our Reporter

The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, produced one of the greatest upsets in African women’s football history by defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in their opening match of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Making their debut at the continental tournament, the Scorchers stunned the 10-time African champions with a fearless and disciplined display to claim a famous victory and announce themselves on the biggest stage in African women’s football.Malawi’s Scorchers Advance to Second Round of Wafcon Qualifiers Without Playing

After a closely contested first half ended goalless, Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute when Kansas City Current striker Temwa Chawinga clinically converted Ireen Khumalo’s delivery to put the Scorchers ahead.

The lead was doubled just five minutes later as Tabitha Chawinga latched onto a precise pass from Sabina Thom before calmly beating the Nigerian goalkeeper to make it 2-0.

Nigeria mounted a late fightback after the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) awarded a penalty following a handball by Benadeta Mkandawire. However, Malawi responded almost immediately, with Mkandawire redeeming herself by setting up Temwa Chawinga, who completed her brace to restore the Scorchers’ two-goal advantage deep into stoppage time.

Uchenna Kanu grabbed another goal for Nigeria in the closing moments, but it proved nothing more than a consolation as Malawi held firm to secure one of the biggest victories in the country’s football history.FAM suspends Daud Mtathiko over alleged sexual misconduct during Scorchers’ South Africa trip

Speaking after the match, Scorchers head coach Lovemore Fazili hailed his players for their courage, determination and belief, saying the victory would motivate the team as they continue their WAFCON campaign.

The result gives Malawi a dream start to the tournament and boosts their hopes of reaching the quarter-finals. The Scorchers will now face Egypt on Sunday, while Nigeria will seek to bounce back against Zambia in a crucial Group B encounter.NBM plc fires up Scorchers ahead of AFCON qualifiers

Inspired by a brilliant two-goal performance from Temwa Chawinga and an outstanding team effort, the Scorchers have shown they are capable of competing with Africa’s best and have given Malawians every reason to dream of a memorable WAFCON campaign.