Tabitha scores in Inter Milan debut
Revered Malawi female football star Tabitha Chawinga has said scoring in her debut for Italian Women’s Serie A outfit Inter Milan against Parma was the stuff that dreams are made of.
The 26-year-old, who is on a year-long loan from Chinese Superleague side Wuhan Jiangda, made a dream start with a strike of utter beauty which was the fourth on the night for Inter in their opening 2022/23 league match.
In a clip accessed on YouTube, after dispossessing a Parma defender, the Malawian glided into the opposition’s goal area with devastating consequences and, as danger loomed, Parma goalkeeper advanced in no man’s land to avert danger, but the Scorchers’ skipper calmly rounded off the goalminder to slot the ball home in the 78th minute.
No panic, no fuss, job done.
Said Chawinga: “Scoring in a debut is something that every player looks forward to, especially on the big stage.
“So, yes, I was really excited, so was my coach and my teammates. It was a wonderful feeling and I thank God for His blessings.”
Chawinga also provided an assist for the third goal scored by Gloria Marinelli.
Van der Gragt drew first blood for Inter before Karchouni doubled the lead just before half time.
Chawinga also said she is settling down well at Le Nerazzurre.
“I would say, so far so good. Everybody is making me feel at home and I can’t complain,” she said.
National Women’s Football Association chairperson Suzgo Ngwira said they expect Chawinga to set the Italian league alight.
She said: “Tabitha needed to make such a statement in her debut.
“Now she has some pressure off and can enjoy her game.”
Inter Milan are one of the top teams in Italy who finished third last season.
Meanwhile, Chawinga is expected to join the Scorchers in South Africa this morning for the Cosafa Women’s Championship where she will feature in the first two matches before returning to Italy.
