Tabitha takes her tally to a dozen goals
Italy-based Malawian women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga on Saturday struck a brace as Inter Milan thumped AC Milan 1-4 in the latest episode of the Derby Della Madonnina to reach a dozen goals.
The Scorchers captain stands proudly at the summit of the Serie A women’s scorers chart with 12 goals, three ahead of her closest contender for the Golden Boot Elisa Polli, who is also her team-mate.
The 26-year-old also jointly leads in assists with her team-mate Ghoutia Karachouni on five.
In an interview yesterday, Tabitha said she was excited to score a brace in the derby.
She said: “The Derby Della Madonnina is one of the biggest fixtures on the Serie A calendar which everyone looks forward to and I was so happy to have scored two goals.
“But it was down to team-work. We all fought from the start to the end.
“I thank God Almighty for His continued blessings.”
However, the Inter Milan prolific forward played down suggestions that she is within touching distance of the Golden Boot.
“Of course, I’m getting closer, but we still have about three to four games and anything can happen. I will just keep on working hard because the focus is to inspire my team to a top-three finish other than prioritise individual accolades,” she said.
During the match, Inter were two up within the first 15 minutes through goals from Iren Santi and Tabitha, but the hosts reduced the arrears through Martina Piemonte in the 32nd minute.
Karchouni then struck the third for Inter in the 52nd minute before Tabitha closed the score-sheet in the 74th minute.
Inter are fourth with 29 points from 15 matches, seven points behind leaders AS Roma who have a game in hand.
Scorchers assistant coach Andrew ‘Aluki’ Chikhosi said he has no doubts that Tabitha, who is on a season-long loan from Chinese Women’s Superleague side Wuhan Jiangda, will win the golden boot.
He said: “Tabitha has been amazing. Apart from keeping the goals flowing she has also provided vital assists.
“She is in a class of her own.”
