FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women wing-back Bernadetta Mkandawire capped an impressive display with a stoppage-time assist as Malawi claimed a famous 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria in their opening Group C match at the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat on Tuesday night.
Malawi produced one of the greatest results in the nation’s women’s football history, stunning the ten-time African champions thanks to a Temwa Chawinga brace and a goal from captain Tabitha Chawinga.
Mkandawire, who started at right wing-back, enjoyed a memorable night and played a decisive role in the dramatic finale.
Moments after Nigeria had reduced the deficit from the penalty spot, the Bullets defender delivered a superb long pass into space for Temwa Chawinga, who raced clear before delicately chipping goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie to restore Malawi’s two-goal cushion.
Malawi frustrated the defending champions throughout the opening half with a disciplined defensive display while posing a threat on the counterattack.
Mercy Sikelo produced several important saves, while Mkandawire impressed at both ends of the pitch with solid defensive work and energetic runs down the right flank as the sides went into the break level at 0-0.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 72nd minute when Temwa Chawinga timed her run perfectly before calmly finishing beyond Chiamaka Nnadozie.
A lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal, handing Malawi a deserved lead.
The Scorchers doubled their advantage six minutes later.
Tabitha Chawinga latched onto a long ball before beating the advancing Nnadozie with a composed finish to make it 2-0.
Nigeria set up a dramatic finale when Rasheedat Ajibade converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review resulted in a handball decision against Mkandawire.
Mkandawire responded with remarkable composure.
The Bullets defender picked out Temwa Chawinga with a perfectly weighted long pass before the striker produced an audacious chip over Nnadozie to make it 3-1.
The defending champions refused to surrender and substitute Uchenna Kanu scored from close range in the closing moments after another VAR review confirmed the goal.
Malawi, however, held firm through the remaining seconds to secure a famous victory.
Bullets midfielder Lyna James was an unused substitute, while Bullets Women head coach Maggie Chombo also played her part in Malawi’s historic victory as assistant coach to Lovemore Fazili.
Malawi’s historic victory sees the Scorchers move into second place in Group C behind neighbours Zambia, who thrashed Egypt 6-0 in the group’s earlier fixture on Tuesday.
The result gives Malawi a dream start to their 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign ahead of their second group match.
