Nigeria secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Zambia on Saturday in Rabat despite playing with 10 players for much of the contest, leaving Group C of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) finely balanced.

The Super Falcons suffered a setback in the 40th minute when defender Blessing Demehin was sent off after bringing down Zambia’s star forward, Barbra Banda, at the Al Medina Stadium.

The victory earned Nigeria three points, drawing them level with Zambia, while Malawi remain top of the group with six points after winning both of their opening matches. Egypt are yet to register a point after two games.

The final round of Group C fixtures will be played on Wednesday in Rabat, with defending champions Nigeria taking on Egypt, while Malawi face Zambia in a decisive southern African clash.

Nigeria’s winning goal came as early as the eighth minute through six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala. The experienced striker burst past two defenders before seeing her initial effort saved by goalkeeper Hazel Nali. However, the rebound struck Oshoala’s leg and trickled into the net.

Earlier in the day, Malawi continued their impressive campaign with a 3-1 victory over Egypt, following their shock win against Nigeria in the opening round.

The Malawians maintained their dominance despite being reduced to 10 players in the second half after Rose Alufandika received a straight red card in the 52nd minute for bringing down Habiba Essam as the last defender at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.

Malawi had already established a comfortable 2-0 lead before the break through first-half strikes from Rose Kadzere and Faith Chinzimu.

Kadzere opened the scoring in the 35th minute after finishing a pass from Temwa Chawinga, while Chinzimu doubled the advantage deep into first-half stoppage time with a close-range finish.

Chawinga later added her name to the scoresheet in the 69th minute, beating goalkeeper Maha Shehata to the ball before heading into an empty net.

Egypt pulled one back two minutes later through Eman Kassem, who headed home a free-kick to score the team’s first goal of the tournament after suffering a heavy 6-0 defeat to Zambia in their opening match.

The second round of group matches continues on Sunday in Casablanca, where Group D leaders Ghana will face Cameroon, while Mali take on Cabo Verde.