WAFCON: Malawi stun champions Nigeria while Zambia demolish Egypt

Temwa Chawinga of Malawi celebrates goal with team players during the 2026 Womens Africa Cup of Nations football match between Nigeria and Malawi at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco on 28 July 2026 ©Nokwanda Zondi/BackpagePix

In one of the biggest upsets in WAFCON history, debutants Malawi delivered a stunning 3-2 victory over 10-time champions Nigeria in their Group C opener in Rabat.

After a tense, goalless first half, the match exploded late in the second half.

Temwa Chawinga broke the deadlock for the Scorchers in the 73rd minute, before her sister Tabita doubled the lead six minutes later.

Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in stoppage time to give the Super Falcons hope, but Temwa Chawinga completed her brace shortly after. Uchenna Kanu scored deep into injury time, but Malawi held on for a landmark win.

Zambia 6-0 Egypt

Zambia opened their Group C campaign in dominant style with a resounding 6-0 victory over Egypt at the Rabat Olympic Stadium. Captain Barbra Banda delivered a masterclass, scoring four goals to lead the Copper Queens.

Read: WAFCON 2026: Banyana stunned by Tanzania in disappointing opener

Rachel Nachula started the scoring with a 25th-minute penalty, giving Zambia a 1-0 halftime lead. Banda took control after the restart, netting a penalty and three finishes in the 60th, 63rd, 87th, and 96th minutes.

Substitute Eneless Phiri also found the net in stoppage time. Controlling 62% of possession with 34 shots, Zambia surged to the top of the Group C standings in Rabat.