By Izuchukwu Okosi
Ten-time African champions Nigeria began their chase for an unprecedented 11th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in a disappointing fashion with a 3-2 defeat against Malawi.
The first half failed to produce much in terms of goal-scoring chances but the game came alive in the second half with the unheralded Maalawi national team the likelier of the the two Group C rivals to open the floodgates of goals.
Their industry paid off as Chanwingwa Temwa scored the game’s first goal in the 73rd minute when she beat the offside trap and rounded goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.
The goal was reviewed by the VAR but deemed legitime.
The Malawian side doubled the lead three minutes later through Chawinga who pounced on a through ball to place the ball in underneath the reach of Nnadozie.
The East Africans continued their threat in Nigeria’s goal area.
In the 83rd minute, the Nigerian side introduced five-time African Women’s Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala in search of an unlikely comeback.
The Falcons were awarded a late penalty after a handball was spotted against a Malawian defender.
Rasheedat Ajibade stepped up to convert from the spot and reduced the arrears.
Eight minutes of added time was signalled and the Nigerian side failed to make the time count rather conceded a late goal scored by Tephan Chawinga.
Uchenna Kanu scored what proved to be an inconsequential second goal as Malawi finished second to Zambia in Group B after Match day 1 games in Group C.
Zambia had earlier in the group’s first game mauled Egypt 6-0.
Nigeria’s next game is a herculean task on Saturday, August 1, when they face the Shipolopolo of Zambia.
The semifinalists of the tournament will represent Africa at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
