The opening round of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) delivered one of the tournament’s biggest surprises as Malawi Women defeated Nigeria Women 3-2 in a breathtaking contest. Despite Nigeria’s late resurgence, a sensational hat-trick from Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga proved enough to hand the Scorchers a memorable victory.
For football fans across Kenya and East Africa, the result is another reminder that women’s football on the continent has become more competitive than ever, with traditional giants now facing serious challenges from emerging nations.
Match Summary
Competition: Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) ā Round 1
Result: Nigeria Women 2-3 Malawi Women
First Half: Tactical Battle Ends Goalless
Both teams approached the match cautiously, producing an evenly contested first half. Nigeria controlled possession for long periods but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Malawian defense.
Malawi remained dangerous on the counterattack, with midfielder M. Nguluwe receiving a booking in the 30th minute after a late challenge.
The teams headed into halftime locked at 0-0, setting the stage for a dramatic second period.
Second Half: Five Goals and Late Drama
The second half exploded into life with both coaches making tactical adjustments.
Nigeria introduced fresh legs through Jennifer Echegini, Uchenna Kanu, Ashleigh Plumptre Payne, and Chioma Ihezuo, hoping to unlock Malawi’s compact defense.
However, it was Malawi who struck first.
Chawinga Breaks the Deadlock
In the 73rd minute, Tabitha Chawinga finished clinically after being set up by I. Khumalo, giving Malawi a deserved 1-0 lead.
Just six minutes later, Chawinga doubled the advantage after combining brilliantly with S. Thom, leaving Nigeria stunned at 2-0.
Nigeria Fights Back
The Super Falcons refused to surrender.
Substitute Asisat Oshoala helped inject urgency into Nigeria’s attack, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted a pressure-filled penalty in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 2-1.
But Malawi responded immediately.
Chawinga Completes Stunning Hat-Trick
Deep into added time, Tabitha Chawinga completed her unforgettable hat-trick after another well-worked move involving B. Mkandawire, restoring Malawi’s two-goal cushion at 3-1.
Nigeria found one final consolation goal through Uchenna Kanu in the dying seconds, but it was too late to prevent one of WAFCON’s biggest opening-round shocks.
Goal Scorers
Malawi Women
- Tabitha Chawinga ā 73′
- Tabitha Chawinga ā 79′
- Tabitha Chawinga ā 90+5′
Nigeria Women
- Rasheedat Ajibade (Penalty) ā 90+2′
- Uchenna Kanu ā 90+9′
Key Talking Points
Tabitha Chawinga Was Simply Unstoppable
The Malawi captain delivered a world-class performance, combining pace, composure, and intelligent movement. Her clinical finishing turned a balanced contest into a famous victory and reinforced her reputation as one of Africa’s elite forwards.
Nigeria Must Improve Defensively
Despite boasting one of the strongest squads on the continent, Nigeria struggled to contain Malawi’s counterattacks. Defensive lapses at critical moments ultimately proved costly.
Malawi Announces Its Arrival
This victory sends a powerful message to the rest of Africa. Malawi is no longer just participatingāthey are genuine contenders capable of upsetting tournament favorites.
What This Means for the Tournament
For Malawi, the victory provides enormous momentum heading into the remaining group fixtures and significantly boosts their chances of progressing to the knockout stages.
Nigeria, meanwhile, faces immediate pressure to bounce back in its next match. Another poor result could leave the record African champions in a difficult qualification position.
Why This Matters to Kenyan Football Fans
Kenyan football supporters continue to witness rapid growth in women’s football across Africa. Malawi’s fearless display demonstrates that investment, tactical discipline, and belief can bridge the gap between established powerhouses and rising nations.
For the Harambee Starlets, performances like this offer encouragement that consistent development can produce competitive teams capable of challenging Africa’s traditional giants.
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Final Verdict
Malawi produced one of the standout performances of the opening round, defeating Nigeria 3-2 thanks to an unforgettable hat-trick from Tabitha Chawinga. While Nigeria showed resilience with two late goals, Malawi’s clinical finishing and disciplined game plan earned a famous victory that could shape the course of this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
If this thrilling encounter is any indication, WAFCON promises more drama, more surprises, and a new chapter in the growth of women’s football across Africa.
