Tabitha delights in dream europe debut

It was the stuff that dreams made of. France-based Malawian women’s football icon Tabitha Chawinga on Tuesday night ran on to a ball floated with precision from the centre and coolly provided the final flourish with her left foot, beating advancing Manchester United goalkeeper Mary Earps in the 53rd minute.

There could have been no better way for the Scorchers captain to announce her arrival on the big stage than scoring in her debut Uefa Women’s Champions League for Paris Saint Germain (PSG) against United in the second qualifying round tie.

In a match monitored on Manchester United TV, the hosts pulled level in the 70th minute through Melvine Malard to set up a thrilling reverse fixture in Paris, the fashion capital, on Wednesday. The winner will progress to the 16-team group stage.

United, who were making their debut in the competition, were placed in the second round of qualifying after finishing as runners-up to Chelsea in the Women’s Super League.

In an interview yesterday, Tabitha described the experience as the best moment of her career this far.

She said: “Growing up, it was always my dream to play at such a big stage and I could not wait for such a  moment.

“And to spice it up with a goal was something I will cherish for years to come. But it’s just the start of a journey and hopefully, I will achieve much more. I thank Almighty God for His blessings and I will keep working hard.”

Nevertheless, the 27-year-old prolific forward, who is on loan from Chinese Superleague side Wuhan Jiangda, said a win could have been a perfect result.

“But a draw wasn’t bad either, considering that we were playing away,” she said.

It was Tabitha’s second goal for PSG, having scored her first against St Etienne in a French Women’s First Division League match which the Parisians won 1-0 last week.

National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adelaide Migogo said Tabitha has proved that she is among the best in the world.

“She shone in Serie A Women’s League last season by winning the golden boot and now she’s shining for PSG in the Champions League. We are proud of her exploits,” she said.

Tabitha won the Italian Golden Boot Award while on loan at Inter Milan with 23 goals in 21 matches to become the first African to achieve the feat.