High drama, video review interventions, and tactical discipline highlighted a chaotic Matchday 2 in Group C at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, as both Nigeria and Malawi overcame numerical disadvantages to claim vital wins.
In two fiercely contested fixtures in Rabat, both victorious sides saw key defenders sent off with straight red cards, forcing both squads to deliver masterclasses in defensive resilience.
Record champions Nigeria got their campaign back on track with a hard-fought 1–0 win over regional heavyweights Zambia, rebounding from their opening-day setback against Malawi.
Star striker Asisat Oshoala handed the Super Falcons an early lead in the 8th minute, finishing neatly past the Zambian keeper to set the tempo.
However, Nigeria’s momentum took a major hit late in the first half when defender Oluwatosin Demehin was shown a straight red card in the 39th minute following a VAR check for a dangerous challenge.
Despite playing with ten players for over 50 minutes, Justin Madugu’s side stood resolute against a fierce Zambian attack led by Barbra Banda.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie and the Nigerian backline held firm through extended second-half pressure to secure three critical points.
In the earlier Group C fixture, tournament debutants Malawi continued their fairytale run with a commanding 3–1 victory over Egypt at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
The Scorchers stormed into a two-goal lead before the break through clinical strikes from Rose Kabzere (31′) and Faith Chinzimu (45+1′).
The dynamic shifted seven minutes after the restart when Malawian defender Rose Alufandika was given a straight red card in the 52nd minute.
Even with a numerical deficit, Malawi extended their lead in the 68th minute through star forward Temwa Chawinga, who notched her third goal of the tournament.
Egypt pulled a goal back via Nourhan Kassem in the 71st minute, but Malawi managed the remaining minutes with composure to lock in their second straight win, effectively knocking Egypt out of knockout contention.
With two matches played, Malawi and Nigeria sit in prime positions to advance, though final quarter-final slots will be decided in the ultimate group fixtures when Nigeria face Egypt and Malawi take on Zambia.
The tournament continues Sunday with Group D matches where Ghana are set to take on Cameron whist Mali play Cape Verde.
