Scorchers Stun Defending Champions Nigeria in Historic WAFCON Debut
Published on July 29, 2026 at 10:05 AM by Edgar Naitha
The Malawi Women’s National Football Team, the Scorchers, made a dream start to their maiden 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign with a stunning 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria.
Temwa Chawinga inspired the historic win with a brace, while her sister, Tabitha Chawinga, also found the back of the net for Malawi.
Nigeria responded through captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who converted a penalty, before Uchenna Kanu added a second goal. However, the Scorchers held on to secure all three points in a memorable opening match.
The victory puts Malawi top of Group C with three points. The Scorchers will return to action on Saturday against Egypt, who opened their campaign with a defeat to Zambia.
