Nigeria kept their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title defence alive with a determined 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday in Rabat.
The Super Falcons played more than half the match with 10 players after defender Blessing Demehin was sent off. However, they held firm to secure all three points and throw Group C wide open.
The result leaves Malawi top of the group with six points after two matches, while Nigeria and Zambia have three points each. Egypt remain without a point heading into the final round of group fixtures.
Nigeria, who are chasing a record-extending 11th WAFCON title, will face Egypt on Wednesday. On the other hand, Malawi will take on Zambia in a decisive southern African clash.
The game’s only goal came after just eight minutes. Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala raced past two defenders before her initial effort was saved by goalkeeper Hazel Nali. The rebound struck Oshoala’s leg and rolled into the net, giving Nigeria an early lead.
The Super Falcons suffered a setback five minutes before half-time when Demehin received a straight red card for bringing down Zambia captain Barbra Banda as the last defender.
Despite being reduced to 10 players, Nigeria produced a disciplined defensive display to deny Zambia an equaliser and claim a crucial victory.
Elsewhere in the Group
Earlier in the day, Malawi continued their impressive tournament with a 3-1 win over Egypt. The victory followed Malawi’s shock opening-day triumph over Nigeria and moved them to the top of Group C.
Rose Kadzere opened the scoring in the 35th minute after being set up by star forward Temwa Chawinga. Faith Chinzimu doubled Malawi’s advantage deep into first-half stoppage time with a close-range finish. Malawi were reduced to 10 players in the 52nd minute after Rose Alufandika received a straight red card for a last-man foul.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Chawinga added a third goal in the 69th minute. This came after she beat goalkeeper Maha Shehata to the ball and headed into an empty net.
Egypt pulled one back two minutes later when Eman Kassem headed home a free-kick. It marked the team’s first goal of the tournament.
The second round of Group D matches continues on Sunday, with Ghana facing Cameroon, while Mali take on Cabo Verde.
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