Tabitha in as her team’s unbeaten run ends

Malawi’s women football icon Tabitha Chawinga flew into the country on Monday from her base in China ahead of Wednesday’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics first round first leg tie against Kenya.

However, the prolific forward’s team Jiang Suning suffered its first Chinese Super League defeat to Shanghai 3-2 on Sunday.

It was their first loss after eight straight wins.

But they still top the log table with 24 points from nine matches, four ahead of second-placed Shanghai.

Tabitha, who did not score but provided an assist, said despite the loss, she is fired up ahead of Wednesday’s showdown.

“It was disappointing that our winning run was brought to a halt, but that’s football for you. There are days when things don’t just work out. We will pick ourselves up,” she said.

“I have now switched focus to Wednesday’s game and I am confident that with commitment and right approach, we will pluck a good result.”

Coach Abel Mkandawire said she is now happy to have a full squad.

“Now we can step up our preparations by switching to formation and tactics,” she said.

Tabitha’s Sweden-based young sister Temwa arrived on Saturday.