WAFCON 2026: Why Malawi’s win over Egypt is bad news for Super Falcons

​The Super Falcons of Nigeria take on Zambia in their second game of WAFCON 2026, facing a crucial do-or-die fixture, Afrik-Foot reports.

​Nigeria suffered a shocking 3-2 defeat to Malawi in their opening match of the tournament, blowing Group C wide open.

Many had expected Malawi and Egypt to be the group’s underdogs, dropping points against traditional heavyweights Nigeria and Zambia.

​However, as the Super Falcons faltered, Zambia thrashed Egypt 6-0, powered by a four-goal display from Barbra Banda.

​Earlier today, Malawi faced Egypt in their second Group C fixture. Malawi defeated Egypt 3-1 despite playing most of the second half a player down. Goals from Rose Kadzere, Faith Chinzimu, and Temwa Chawinga rendered Iman Hassan’s strike a mere consolation for Egypt.

​That result pushed Malawi to six points after two games, ensuring they only need to avoid defeat against Zambia in their final group match to secure a quarterfinal spot.

​CAF Rules on Group Stage Qualification for WAFCON 2026

​According to the regulations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, if two teams finish level on points in the group stage, the head-to-head record takes precedence over goal difference.

Due to this, Malawi holds an immediate advantage over Nigeria.

​To keep their qualification fate in their own hands, the Super Falcons must secure a victory against the Copper Queens tonight.

​A win over Zambia would put Nigeria back on track, but because the permutations depend heavily on the final round of fixtures, the ten-time WAFCON champions still have a narrow margin for error.

If they draw tonight, Nigeria would likely need to defeat Egypt convincingly in their final game while hoping the Copper Queens lose to Malawi.

​Ultimately, if Nigeria wants absolute certainty regarding qualification, nothing less than a victory against Zambia will put them in the best possible position.