Debutants Malawi have caused what could be the biggest upset in Women's Africa Cup of Nations history, beating holders Nigeria 3-2 in their opening Group C clash at the ongoing tournament in Morocco on Tuesday.
Playing their first-ever WAFCON, they matched the record champions boot for boot in their opening Group C game and did what was most important—scored three goals to throw the pundits' predictions out of the window.
Blunders from goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie gifted the Chawinga sisters—Temwa and Tabitha—the chance to make history as they scored their side's three goals in the 3-2 result that marked the worst possible start for the record title holders.
Though it was considered a David and Goliath affair, not many believed the outcome would end in similar fashion to the biblical original story, but it did. The Scorchers needed strikes from Temwa (73rd and 90th) and Tabitha (79th) to stun the Falcons before they recovered to score their goals deep in added time through captain Rasheedat Ajibade (92nd) from a penalty and Uchenna Kanu (99th).
The Malawians impressed with their first-half performance, actively engaging in the end-to-end exchanges, and they had more in store in the second half. They won the 50-50 balls and took advantage of every mistake from the Nigerians.
That resulted in the 2-0 lead when Temwa capitalised on a miscalculation from experienced goalkeeper Nnadozie to slot the ball in for the lead. Six minutes later, her sister, the Lyon forward Tabitha, made it 2-0, nutmegging the ball through the legs of the goalkeeper.
Stunned, the Falcons fought to redeem their reputation and managed to pull one back in injury time through Ajibade's penalty. Their plight was made worse when Temwa scored her second on the night and Malawi's third. Kanu's effort resulted in a second goal nine minutes into injury time, but it was an effort too late.
Tight corner
Tipped to qualify from the group by possibly topping it, this defeat has greatly embarrassed the 10-time WAFCON champions and could jeopardise their dream of an 11th title, as they will now have to dig deep to progress from a group that has serious contenders, Zambia.
Unfortunately for Nigeria, Zambia's Copper Queens were ruthless as they kicked off their campaign with a 6-0 win over Egypt to lead the group on three points and more goals. Thus, to get back on track, Nigeria will have to not only beat Zambia and Egypt but also score many more goals.
