WAFCON 2026: Temwa Chawinga’s Heroics Earn Woman of the Match Award in Historic Malawi Win
Temwa Chawinga produced a performance for the history books on her Women’s Africa Cup of Nations debut, scoring twice and claiming the TotalEnergies Woman of the Match award as Malawi stunned defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in a dramatic Group C opener on Tuesday.
The Kansas City Current forward broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, firing tournament debutants Malawi into a shock lead and sending the Scorchers on course for one of the biggest upsets in the competition’s history.
Six minutes later, her sister and captain Tabitha Chawinga doubled Malawi’s advantage, putting Nigeria under severe pressure and leaving the 10-time champions facing an extraordinary defeat.
The Super Falcons launched a late fightback when Rasheedat Ajibade converted a penalty in the 92nd minute before Uchenna Kanu levelled the contest in stoppage time.
But Malawi had the final say.
In the 95th minute, Temwa Chawinga produced a moment of individual brilliance, lifting a composed lob over the advancing goalkeeper to complete her brace and seal a sensational victory for the Scorchers.
The result marked a landmark moment for Malawi, who are making their first appearance at the WAFCON and secured their maiden victory at the continental tournament at the first attempt.
For Nigeria, the defeat was a rare setback for a side that has dominated the competition for decades and entered the tournament as defending champions.
The award adds another chapter to the remarkable career of Chawinga, a two-time NWSL Most Valuable Player and Golden Boot winner who has established herself as one of the most prolific forwards in the women’s game.
Her performance in Morocco also highlighted the growing influence of Malawian football, with the Chawinga sisters playing pivotal roles in one of the tournament’s most memorable opening-day victories. Tabitha currently plays for French giants Olympique Lyonnais.
Malawi now sit level on points with Zambia at the top of Group C following the opening round of matches. The Scorchers will face Egypt on August 1 before closing their group campaign against Zambia.
