Malawi National Women’s Football Team stunned seasoned campaigners Nigeria 3-2 in their Group C Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) opening match on Tuesday in Rabat, Morocco.
The Scorchers gave the 10-time champions Falcons a warning shot when they tamed them to a goalless draw in the first half.
The impressive debutants held on to shock the heavyweights in the 73rd minute with US-based Temwa Chawinga’s goal from an Ireen Khumalo assist.
Six minutes later, Malawi cushioned the lead through Temwa’s elder sister Tabitha who is the Scorchers captain to control the match.
But a late surge saw Nigeria reducing the arrears to 2-1 through Rasheedat Ajibade penalty on the dot of the match. But Temwa capped a historical day with a double deep in added on time to restore the two-goal lead.
Nigeria pushed hard to score the second through Uchenna Kanu, but it was not enough as Malawi held on to produce a stunning victory.
Minister of Youth and Sports Alfred Gangata hailed the Scorchers for the famous victory.
“My People Football. Congratulations to our mighty Scorchers on a fantastic 3-2victory! What a remarkable performance—determination, passion, and teamwork at their very best.
Zikutheka! (It is possible) 3–2is no joke. Keep making Malawi proud!”
Football Association of Malawi President Fleetwood Haiya simply expressed his excitement, :”We are transforming the game.”
Meanwhile, Malawi’s next opportunity Egypt got a thorough beating when Zambia registered a 6-0 victory in another Group C match
