Malawi produced one of the biggest surprises in Women’s Africa Cup of Nations history on Tuesday, defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in Rabat thanks to a dazzling display from sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga. Nigeria, by contrast, entered the competition as the highest-ranked side in the field and favourites to retain the title they won in 2024. The final whistle sounded almost straight after the restart, ending the champions’ comeback attempt and sealing a famous victory for Malawi. After the opening round of matches, Zambia and Malawi sit level on three points. They will face Egypt and Nigeria respectively on Saturday, with victories guaranteeing both southern African nations places in the quarter-finals.