Tabitha rescues Inter Milan from defeat

Italy-based Malawi women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga on Sunday rescued her club Inter Milan from the jaws of their  first Serie A Women’s defeat.

The Scorchers captain grabbed an equaliser in the second minute of added time as Inter held table-anchors Sassuolo to a one-all draw.

In an interview yesterday, the 26-year-old admitted that it was a tough match.

She said: “We were all relieved after snatching the late equaliser.

“They [Sassuolo] came hard on us and as time ticked away, there was this fear that we would lose the match.

“But to our credit, we kept on fighting to the very end and it paid off.”

The hosts took the lead in the 61st minute through Martina Tomaselli before Tabitha levelled the scores with virtually the last kick of the match.

Following the result, Inter have dropped from the summit to third in the 10-team Italian women’s league with 17 points from seven matches.

League leaders Roma are tied on 18 points with second-placed Fiorentina.

Tabitha has taken her tally to six, a goal short of joint leading scorers Elisa Poli, her team-mate at Inter,  and Juventus’ Cristina Girelli.

In an interview yesterday, Former Scorchers coach Maggie Chombo-Sidik said Tabitha’s continued exploits in Italy are testimony that she is at the peak of her career.

She said: “It shows that she has matured and is enjoying her game.

“The late goal also  speaks volumes about her never-die spirit and importance to her team.”