Temwa shines in chinese cup final

China-based Malawi women’s football star Temwa Chawinga’s sheer quality shone brightly yesterday when her brace inspired her team Wuhan Jiangda to Chinese National Cup glory after a 3-0 win over Beijing in the final.

To add extra spice, the Malawi national women’s football team striker finished as joint Golden Boot Award winner, pipping her elder sister Tabitha by a goal.

In an interview yesterday, Temwa said she is happy to have played a vital role in her team’s victory.

She said: “What makes the win sweet is that Beijing beat us [2-1] in the opening match. Fortunately, it was not a knockout format as the tournament was played on league basis.

“I am excited that it all went according to plan. Our focus now switches to the league games.”

Temwa also said she is happy not to have lost her scoring touch after featuring as a defender for the better part of the first round.

“It has not been a challenge being used as a defender and a striker, it has not affected me in any way and I am happy with my performance in both roles,” she said.

In the semi-final, Wuhan thumped Shangdoi Ticai 8-1 and Temwa scored once.

To qualify for the semi-finals, Wuhan thrashed Shanghai 6-1. Temwa was on target once while Tabitha claimed a brace.

National Women’s Football Association chairperson Suzgo Ngwira yesterday said they are happy with the sisters’ performance in China.

She said: “Their performance is testimony that they are among the best in the world because the Chinese Women’s League is ranked highly globally and we are proud of them.

“Hopefully, they will realise their dream to inspire the Scorchers to qualify for the next edition of Wafcon [Women’s Africa Cup of Nations] because they have all the absolute essentials.”

Wuhan also top the Chinese Women’s Superleague with 30 points from 10 consecutive wins.