Malawi made history Tuesday night, as the debutants defeated defending and record champions, Nigeria’s Super Falcons 3-2 in the 2026 African Women’s Cup Of Nations opening match holding in Morocco.

The Malawians were leading by 2-0 before the Nigerian side struggled back to score twice but the Falcons failed to pull a complete comeback in the highly explosive encounter.

It is on record that it was the Super Falcons’ first defeat in 15 competitive matches against any African opposition in continental tournaments.

The Malawians popularly known as The Scorchers, playing their first match at the continental finals, stunned the 10-time champions with three second-half goals at Al Madina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Temwa Chawinga scored Malawi’s first and third goals, while her sister Tabita Chawinga added the second as the debutants took a remarkable 3-1 lead deep into stoppage time.

Nigeria responded through a Rasheedat Ajibade penalty and a late Uchenna Kanu goal, but the Super Falcons could not complete the comeback.

The result ended Nigeria’s proud record of never losing to a debutant team at the WAFCON since the competition began in 1998.

For Malawi, it was a historic statement on their tournament debut.

For Nigeria, it was a damaging start to their title defence and a reminder that their status alone will not be enough in Morocco.