France-based Malawian women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga’s dream of a Uefa Women’s Champions League medal went up in smoke on Saturday evening when her team Lyon lost 4-0 by Barcelona in the final in Oslo, Norway.
In a match monitored on Supersport television, the Scorchers captain appeared physically weighed down with her head hung low after the final whistle.
It was a weekend of mixed fortunes for the striker, who celebrated her 30th birthday the previous day.
Tabitha was thrown in as a second half substitute in the 66th minute with her team trailing 2-0.
She had a chance to pull one back for the record eight-time champions in the 75th minute, but with only Barcelona goalkeeper Cata Coll at her mercy, her low shot was easily saved by the goalminder.
The Spanish giants won their fourth European title thanks to a brace each from Ewa Pajor and Salma Paralluelo.
Following the defeat, Tabitha and her teammates must now try to lift themselves for a French title decider against Paris FC next weekend.
Last year, Lyon were booted out in the semi-finals by eventual champions Arsenal.
In 2024, Tabitha, while starring for another French top side Paris Saint Germain, also failed to make it to the final after they were booted out 3-2 on aggregate by her present club Lyon in the semis.
Tabitha could not be reached for comment yesterday, but National Women’s Football Association chairperson Adellaide Migogo said it was a big disappointment for the Malawian star.
“She has always dreamt of winning the Champions League and I can imagine how she felt. I am sure it wasn’t what she was expecting. But Tabitha is a fighter and she will pick herself up,” she said.
A fortnight ago, her compatriot Faith Chinzimu became the first Malawian to win a European women’s title when her team BK Hacken won the Europa Cup after beating fellow Swedish side Hammarby 4-2 on aggregate.
