WAFCON 2026: Zambia Eliminated in Dramatic Group C Finale As Nigeria and Malawi Advance
By Sedara Philip
The final round of matches in Group C of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) produced a dramatic conclusion on Wednesday, with Nigeria and Malawi securing places in the quarter-finals, while Zambia suffered a heartbreaking elimination despite defeating the Scorchers 2-1.
All three nations finished the group stage level on six points, forcing the standings to be decided by the tournament’s head-to-head tiebreaking criteria.
Although Zambia claimed victory over Malawi, the Copper Queens fell short after the mini-league calculations among the three tied teams.
With all three sides level on head-to-head goal difference, the next tiebreaker goals scored in matches involving the tied teams proved decisive.
Malawi topped the group after scoring four goals, Nigeria finished second with three, while Zambia managed only two, bringing the Copper Queens’ campaign to a painful end.
Knowing victory was essential, Zambia made the perfect start against Malawi.
Captain Barbra Banda opened the scoring before Prisca Chilufya doubled the advantage, giving the Copper Queens a commanding 2-0 lead at halftime and putting them in a strong position to qualify.
However, the match turned dramatically after the restart.
Malawi star Temwa Chawinga pulled one back in the second half, and the goal proved decisive. Despite relentless late pressure, Zambia could not find the additional goal they desperately needed to overturn the tiebreaker, sealing their exit from the competition.
In the group’s other fixture, defending champions Nigeria produced a dominant display to defeat Egypt 6-2.
The Super Falcons controlled proceedings throughout the contest, with Asisat Oshoala and captain Rasheedat Ajibade among the goalscorers as Nigeria comfortably secured the victory needed to progress.
The result ensured Nigeria finished second in Group C and advanced alongside Malawi to the knockout stage.
The Super Falcons will now face Group D winners Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Sunday, while Malawi will take on the runners-up from Group D, with either Ghana or Mali awaiting the tournament debutants depending on the outcome of Thursday’s decisive fixture.
While Nigeria and Malawi continue their quest for continental glory, Zambia are left to reflect on a cruel exit after falling victim to one of the most dramatic tiebreaker scenarios of the tournament.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
