Malawi stunned Egypt 3-1 to move top of WAFCON 2026 Group C, while Zambia remain above Nigeria on goal difference despite a narrow defeat to the Super Falcons.. Malawi have emerged as the surprise package of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after producing another stunning result to move to the top of Group C.
The Scorchers followed up their impressive opening victory over Nigeria with an emphatic 3-1 win over Egypt, taking maximum points from their opening two matches and leaving the so-called “Group of Death” wide open.
The result sees Malawi sit at the summit of Group C with six points, having defeated two of the tournament’s traditional heavyweights. Few expected the Scorchers to challenge for qualification before the tournament began, but they are now in pole position to reach the knockout stages.
Behind them are the Copper Queens, whose superior goal difference keeps them ahead of Nigeria despite both sides sitting on three points. Zambia’s opening 6-0 demolition of Egypt continues to prove crucial after their narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria.
Current Group C Outlook
- Malawi – 6 points
- Zambia – 3 points
- Nigeria – 3 points
- Egypt – 0 points
Please note the table above is made on points and then goal difference and not points, h2h and goal difference
For Zambia, the picture remains firmly in their own hands.
Although the Copper Queens fell to Nigeria, Nora Häuptle’s side produced an encouraging second-half performance and were unfortunate not to rescue at least a point after dominating long spells against the ten-player Super Falcons. Also the SUper Falcons have always been superior to Zambia. So, that performance will give Zambia confidence heading into their decisive final group fixture.
Nigeria, meanwhile, may have beaten Zambia, but the defending African giants are far from convincing. They struggled to contain the Copper Queens after going down to ten players and now find themselves trailing Zambia on goal difference despite collecting the same number of points.
Egypt have endured a nightmare campaign, conceding nine goals in two matches after suffering heavy defeats to both Zambia and Malawi. They are now on the brink of elimination.
The biggest story, however, is undoubtedly Malawi. Written off before the tournament began, the Scorchers have transformed Group C into one of the biggest surprises of WAFCON 2026. What was expected to be a battle between Zambia and Nigeria has become a three-team race, with Malawi now leading the pack.
For the Copper Queens, qualification is still within reach. Their superior goal difference could prove decisive, but they will need a stronger performance in their final group match to secure a place in the quarter-finals. The pressure is now on every contender, with Group C living up to its reputation as the tournament’s most unpredictable group.
