{"id":17974,"date":"2026-07-29T09:07:00","date_gmt":"2026-07-29T06:07:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/?p=17974"},"modified":"2026-07-29T09:44:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-29T06:44:31","slug":"malawi-shock-nigeria-3-2-as-chawinga-nets-hat-trick-wafcon-round-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bangbet.com\/news\/sports-betting-news\/malawi-shock-nigeria-3-2-as-chawinga-nets-hat-trick-wafcon-round-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Malawi Shock Nigeria 3-2 as Chawinga Nets Hat-Trick\u00a0 | WAFCON Round 1"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The opening round of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)<\/strong> delivered one of the tournament’s biggest surprises as Malawi Women defeated Nigeria Women 3-2<\/strong> in a breathtaking contest. Despite Nigeria’s late resurgence, a sensational hat-trick from Malawi captain Tabitha Chawinga<\/strong> proved enough to hand the Scorchers a memorable victory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For football fans across Kenya and East Africa<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Match Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Competition:<\/strong> Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) \u2013 Round 1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Result:<\/strong> Nigeria Women 2-3 Malawi Women<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First Half: Tactical Battle Ends Goalless<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Malawi remained dangerous on the counterattack, with midfielder M. Nguluwe<\/strong> receiving a booking in the 30th minute after a late challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The teams headed into halftime locked at 0-0<\/strong>, setting the stage for a dramatic second period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second Half: Five Goals and Late Drama<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The second half exploded into life with both coaches making tactical adjustments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nigeria introduced fresh legs through Jennifer Echegini<\/strong>, Uchenna Kanu<\/strong>, Ashleigh Plumptre Payne<\/strong>, and Chioma Ihezuo<\/strong>, hoping to unlock Malawi’s compact defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, it was Malawi who struck first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chawinga Breaks the Deadlock<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In the 73rd minute, Tabitha Chawinga<\/strong> finished clinically after being set up by I. Khumalo<\/strong>, giving Malawi a deserved 1-0 lead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just six minutes later, Chawinga doubled the advantage after combining brilliantly with S. Thom<\/strong>, leaving Nigeria stunned at 2-0<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Malawi
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nigeria Fights Back<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Super Falcons refused to surrender.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Substitute Asisat Oshoala<\/strong> helped inject urgency into Nigeria’s attack, while captain Rasheedat Ajibade<\/strong> converted a pressure-filled penalty in stoppage time to reduce the deficit to 2-1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But Malawi responded immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chawinga Completes Stunning Hat-Trick<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Deep into added time, Tabitha Chawinga<\/strong> completed her unforgettable hat-trick after another well-worked move involving B. Mkandawire<\/strong>, restoring Malawi’s two-goal cushion at 3-1<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nigeria found one final consolation goal through Uchenna Kanu<\/strong> in the dying seconds, but it was too late to prevent one of WAFCON’s biggest opening-round shocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Malawi
Photo courtesy<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Goal Scorers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Malawi Women<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n