Women's AFCON 2026: Malawi pulls off an upset against Nigeria, Zambia cruises past Egypt

Malawi upsets Nigeria in a completely crazy scenario

For its debut in the Women's AFCON finals, Malawi achieved one of the greatest feats in its young footballing history. At Al Madina stadium, the Scorchers brought down Nigeria’s Super Falcons, the reigning champions and the most titled team in African women’s football with ten continental trophies. The first half was played at a cautious pace, with the Malawians opting for a deep block and strict tactical discipline that ended up stifling the Nigerian play. The second half turned thanks to the Chawinga sisters. Temwa Chawinga opened the scoring in the 73rd minute from a service by Ireen Khumalo, before her sister Tabitha doubled the lead six minutes later from a pass by Sabina Thom (2-0, 79’). Nigeria tried to come back during stoppage time. Rasheedat Ajibade reduced the deficit from the penalty spot (2-1, 90+2’), but Temwa Chawinga responded immediately by netting her personal brace from a cross by Benadetta Mkandawire (3-1, 90+5’). Uchenna Kanu’s late goal (3-2, 90+9’) did not change the outcome of the match. This defeat is historic for Nigeria, who had not lost to a first-time nation in the AFCON finals since 1998. For Malawi, it represents a dream start to the competition.

Barbra Banda demolishes Egypt single-handedly

At the Stade Olympique de Rabat, Zambia delivered a powerful show on Egyptian turf, carried by an exceptional performance from their captain. Involved in five of her team’s six goals, Barbra Banda scored four and provided an assist to put the Copper Queens at the top of Group C. The Zambians seized the initiative from the first minutes. Banda had a clear chance as early as the 8th minute, denied by the Egyptian goalkeeper. Egypt briefly responded with a long-range shot from Nadin Ghazy, but it posed no threat to Natasha Nali. Zambia then piled on the pressure until they won a penalty after a foul on Banda, converted by Rachael Nachula. In the second half, Zambia sped up. A second penalty, awarded after a VAR intervention for a handball by Amira Mohamed, allowed Banda to score her first goal of the match. The Copper Queens’ captain then went on a spree, making it 3-0, before completing a hat trick in the 86th minute. She finished her attacking show by providing an assist to Eneless Phiri, before adding the sixth goal herself in the dying moments.

Zambia will face Nigeria on Saturday, while Egypt will try to bounce back against Malawi the same day.