The Scorchers of Malawi staged one of the biggest shocks in women’s football, beating Nigeria’s Super Falcons 3-2 in their debut match at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

In what was Nigeria’s first attempt at defending the WAFCON title after winning a historic 10th last year, Malawi gave them little to no room from the blast of the whistle, making their intent as clear as ever. It was captain Tabitha Chawinga who would grab a first goal to all but drive home the point, though it would be disallowed.

Much had been said about Nigeria ahead of the competition, and if one thought the second half would bring about a response from the defending champions, such hopes were dispelled a few minutes after the hour mark when Temwa Chawinga converted Khumalo Ireen’s long ball to net Malawi’s first-ever WAFCON finals goal and give her side a shock lead over Nigeria. About five minutes later, the senior Chawinga, Tabitha, would double the Scorchers’ shocking lead after being fed by Thom Sabinah.

Nigeria mustered some response when captain Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the spot in the 92nd minute, but Temwa would capitalise on poor defending once again to restore the debutants’ two-goal lead.

Substitute Uchenna Kanu reduced the deficit for Nigeria at the death, but it all ended in vain as Malawi held on to seal an historic victory that places them in pole position to make it out of the group stage in their first WAFCON attempt. Meanwhile, the defending champions face a daunting task when they face red-hot Zambia in their second match on Saturday, August 1.