Shock WAFCON Opener: Debutants Malawi Stun Super Falcons 3-2

Nigeria's bid for an unprecedented 11th WAFCON title suffered an immediate, genuine shock — tournament debutants Malawi defeated the 10-time champion Super Falcons 3-2 in their Group C opener at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat.

The match stayed goalless through a tense first half, with Nigeria dominating possession but unable to find a breakthrough. Malawi's Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, and her sister Tabitha doubled the lead six minutes later. Captain Rasheedat Ajibade pulled one back for Nigeria from the penalty spot in the 90th minute, but Temwa Chawinga struck again deep into stoppage time to restore Malawi's cushion — before Uchenna Kanu's late header made it a nervy 3-2 finish.

It's one of the biggest upsets in the tournament's history. Nigeria now turns to their remaining group matches against Zambia and Egypt, needing a response if they're to keep their title defense alive.