France-based Malawian women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga says she is hoping to realise her dream of hoisting the Uefa Women’s Champions League tonight when her ream OL Lyonnais face Spanish opponents Barcelona in the final.
The final sees two of the greatest ever European women’s teams face off in Oslo with eight-time winners OL Lyonnes facing three-time winners and last year’s finalists Barcelona after the pair overcame Arsenal and Bayern Munich respectively, in the semi-finals.
In an interview on Thursday evening, with her voice sounding calm and relaxed, the Scorchers skipper, who turned 30 yesterday, said: “I hope this is it having missed it a few times before.
“This is the closest I have come to winning the European title and I can’t wait. I am ready and please remember us in prayers.”
She also believes that winning the Champions League will inspire the next generation of African players.
The free-scoring striker has played a key role for Les Fenottes in this season’s competition, helping them in their pursuit of a record-extending ninth European title.
Assorfing to ESPN, despite winning the competition in 2021 and 2023, Barça only felt like the best team in Europe when they beat OL Lyonnes in the 2024 final. It was the first time they had beaten the French side, the outstanding team in women’s football over the last 15 years.
OL Lyonnes will be without one of their key players in Kadidiatou Diani, who suffered a knee injury against Arsenal in the semifinal, but in Tabitha and Melchie Dumornay, they have enough armoury to see off the Spanish giants.
On the other hand, Patri Guijarro and reigning women’s Ballon d’Or and Fifa Women’s Best player Aitana Bonmatí carry Barca’s hopes.
