WAFCON 2026: FALCONS suffer defeat from debutant MALAWI In 5 A FIVE - GOAL THRILLER

By; Sunny Canto

Shockingly, the Ten Times Africa WAFCON Champions-Nigeria (Super Falcons) has fall shot in a disappointing encounter in their opening match against debutant Malawi yesterday in Morocco.

In quest to defend their 2025 trophy also, book a World Cup ticket ahead of 2027 Women World Cup in Brazil has suffered a huge setback as they were handed a shocking 3-2 defeat by Scorchers of Malawi.

Expectedly, the Super Falcons proved their worth as well as controlled possessions for the game, but relentless efforts of Esther Okoronwo and Captain Rasheedat Ajibade were dashed by the opponent goalkeeping brilliance of Malawi's Mercy Sikelo alongside her defensive conscious teammates thereby forcing the Africans best Women team to a goalless draw at the break.

Amazing and determined Malawi team gaffer tactical substitutes, brought a lot of dynamics; surprises; controlled tempo in the game. Eventually, they found the back of the net at 73rd minute when their sensation striker Temwa Chawinga fully capitalized on Chiamaka Nnadozie goalkeeping lapses thereby giving them a well-deserved lead and their first ever goal in the tournament's history.

In a similar faction, few minutes later her sister Tabitha Chawinga controlled a distance past from the Midfield, dazzle and speed past Falcon's defenders to double their lead.

While Nigeria Skipper: Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the penalty spot in the early minutes of the stoppage time to half the deficit but for a short period as Temwa Chawinga got her brace and extended Malawi's lead from another episode of Nnadozie's atrocious goalkeeping while denting the hopes of the defending champions.

The stoppage time drama was not over yet as second half substitute Nnadi Kanu capped off her impressive showings with a goal to reduce the deficit once again but that was not enough to secure a point for the ten-time African champions.

After a disappointing result, the Super Falcons will now turn full attention to a robust Zambian team anchored by Barbra Banda and Rachel Kundanaji who thumbed the Egyptians 6-0 yesterday as they will be hoping to rekindle their title ambitions when they face-off the Southern African giants in a must win encounter on Saturday.