Debutants Malawi defeat Super falcons 3-2 in Opening-Day Upset, ‘We’re sorry’- Oshoala

Nigeria’s Super Falcons suffered one of the biggest shocks in the history of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), falling 3-2 to tournament debutants Malawi in their Group C opener in Morocco.

The stunning defeat dealt a major blow to Nigeria’s bid for a record-extending 11th continental title and left the defending champions under immediate pressure to revive their campaign in the remaining group matches.

After a cagey first half ended goalless, Malawi exploded into life after the break, with the Chawinga sisters, Temwa and Tabitha, inspiring a memorable victory through a dominant attacking display.

The debutants struck three times in the second half to take firm control of the contest, leaving the Super Falcons chasing the game.

Nigeria mounted a spirited late comeback with two goals, but it proved too little, too late as Malawi held on to record a famous victory over Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

The result leaves the Super Falcons needing positive results in their remaining Group C fixtures to keep alive their hopes of retaining the WAFCON crown and securing qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Reacting to the disappointing defeat, Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala appealed to Nigerians not to abandon the team despite the setback.

“We may have lost this one, but please don’t leave us alone. The only thing I can say right now is that we need their support; the World Cup ticket is at stake. This is the time we really need everyone to support the team,” Oshoala said.

She acknowledged the disappointment of Nigerian football fans, especially after the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, and assured supporters that the players would respond positively.

“We’re sorry we lost this one, but in the next match, we’ll give even more effort and do everything we can to bounce back,” she added.

Super Falcons coach reacted after the defeat to Malawi: “Fans can shout as much as they want. My job is to stay calm and fix it. That’s what I’m doing. Everyone is entitled to there own options.

“I know a lot of people at home are angry right now. That’s fine. You’re allowed to feel that way. But some of the reactions I’m seeing are exaggerated. We lost one match. It happens. Malawi played above themselves and we didn’t finish our chances.

I’m not going to stand here and pretend this is the end of the world. We still have two games left in the group. If the players react the right way, this result will be forgotten quickly. As for me “Whether we win this game or not, one thing is clear: Justin Madugu is a terrible coach” But i hope the Girls grind out the win in their next games as they always do. We’ve noticed some of our errors; and will analyze before playing Zambia.

“I assure Nigerians, this sad challenge will be overcome. It has happened to us before back in 2018. We later won the tournament.”

With their title defence now hanging in the balance, the Super Falcons will be looking for an immediate response in their next outing as they seek to restore confidence and keep their continental ambitions alive.