The Super Falcons of Nigeria were dealt a big blow in their Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title defence quest as they suffered a shocking 2-0 defeat to debutants Malawi in their Group C opener on Tuesday night, Platinum News is reporting.
The defending champions had gone into the game as clear favourites against the debutants and were expected to run over them in the game —having been handed their promised items by the government.
The two teams settled into the game, and it was the debutants who took the initiative, matching the defending champions toe-to-toe. The first half ended in a draw, with Malawi having the upper hand. Moments later, it turned the Chawingas’ party as goals rushed into the Super Falcons’ empty net on three occasions
The second half resumed, and Malawi
Nigeria thought they had equalised in the 90+4 minute when Uchenna Kanu headed towards goal, but the Flames cleared the ball off the goal line —the ball would be ruled out for offside eventually.
Malawi, however, opened the scoring in the 73rd minute — forward Temwa Chawinga beat the offside trap and poorly positioned Chiamaka Nnadozie, wrapped her and put the ball in the back of the net.
Six minutes later, Malawi increased the tally, and it was Chawinga who made it two —this time, Tabitha Chawinga received a long defence-breaking pass outside the Super Falcons’ box and beat a rushing and uncomposed Chiamaka Nnadozie to the ball for the second.
Nigeria, however, scored one late into the game when captain Rasheedat Ajibade scored from the spot in the 90+
Just a few seconds later, Temwa Chawinga finished off the game with another goal — the Malawian received a volley from her half and beat the defence line to the ball, lobbing it beyond out-of-position Chiamaka Nnadozie for the third.
Nigeria made it two in the 90+9 minutes after Uchenna Kanu connected with a long ball from the goalkeeper to put it beyond the rushing Malawi goalkeeper.
The goal would, however, do little as Malawi held on to win their first WAFCON game in their first attempt against the Almighty Super Falcons.
Up Next for Nigeria is a do-or-die match against Zambia —Zambia earlier in the day spanked Egypt 6-0