There was no shortage of drama on the opening day of Group C at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as Barbra Banda produced a four-goal masterclass for Zambia while Malawi’s famous Chawinga sisters stunned defending champions Nigeria in one of the biggest shocks in tournament history.
The two fixtures transformed Group C from one expected to be dominated by Nigeria into arguably the most unpredictable section of the competition.
Zambia delivered a frightening attacking performance against Egypt, cruising to a comprehensive 6-0 victory that immediately established the Copper Queens as genuine contenders for the continental crown.
After Racheal Nachula’s first-half penalty gave Zambia the lead, Banda completely overwhelmed the Egyptian defence in the second half, scoring four times in just over 35 minutes.
Her remarkable display included goals from open play and the penalty spot before Eneless Phiri completed the rout during stoppage time.
While Zambia celebrated one of the finest performances in recent WAFCON history, another remarkable story unfolded later in Rabat.
Tournament debutants Malawi shocked nine-time African champions Nigeria thanks to an inspired performance from sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga.
Temwa opened the scoring midway through the second half before Tabitha doubled Malawi’s advantage six minutes later.
Ajibade’s stoppage-time penalty briefly revived Nigeria’s hopes, but Temwa immediately responded with her second goal of the match before Uchenna Kanu’s late strike merely reduced the margin of defeat.
The result handed Malawi a dream start to their first Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign while leaving Nigeria under immediate pressure heading into their second group fixture.
For Zambia, meanwhile, the opening night could hardly have gone better.
Banda finished with four goals, Zambia finished with six, and the Copper Queens ended Matchday One sitting proudly at the top of Group C with a commanding goal difference advantage over Malawi.