Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title suffered a major setback on Tuesday as tournament debutants Malawi stunned the defending champions 3-2 in their Group C opener.
The Scorchers produced a spirited display to hand the record 10-time African champions a losing start to the defence of their continental crown.
After a closely contested opening half, Malawi broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute through Temwa Chawinga before captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled the advantage six minutes later to leave the Super Falcons with a mountain to climb.
Nigeria pulled one back in stoppage time when captain Rasheedat Ajibade calmly converted from the penalty spot in the 90+2nd minute, raising hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Those hopes were short-lived as Temwa Chawinga struck again three minutes later to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion and put the result beyond doubt.
The Super Falcons, however, refused to give up,
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