Tabitha Chawinga celebrates brace in 50th Lyonnes appearance

Malawi women’s national team forward scored a brace in her 50th appearance for Olympique Lyonnes Women as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over Le Havre AC in France on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old’s fine displays in the Division 1 Feminine game came a few days after she won the February Player of the month for Lyonnes Women.

C’est maintenant à vous d’élire votre 𝐉𝐨𝐮𝐞𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐮 𝐦𝐨𝐢𝐬 !

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Tabitha fine run of form with Lyonnes

Seemingly inspired by that recognition, Tabitha scored in the 26th and 45th-minutes before Wendie Renard’s late strike sealed the victory in the Division 1 Feminine match.

The Malawian has scored 11 goals in 14 outings for the French champions this season. Reacting to the result, the Scorchers captain celebrated for having made it 50 games for Lyonnes Women.

“Honoured to reach 50 appearances in blue and red,” the forward wrote via her Facebook page. “Proud of the milestone and grateful to everyone who has supported the journey. On to the next challenge.”

Lyonnes Women top the table on 49 points from 17 games, 19 points ahead of second placed Nantes FC while Le Havre are in a distant eight position with 16 points.

Impact of Tabitha for club and country

The form of Tabitha should delight the Scorchers coach Lovemore Fazili ahead of the Women Africa Cup of Nations finals to take place later this year.

The 2024 Ballon d’Or award nominee signed for Lyonnes Women last year at the end of her loan spell with Paris Saint-Germain Feminine from then parent club Wuhan FC of China.

Malawi women’s national team forward Tabitha Chawinga delivered another outstanding performance by scoring a brace in her 50th appearance for Olympique Lyonnais Women as they secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Le Havre AC in the French Division 1 Féminine on Tuesday.

The 29-year-old attacker continues to prove her importance to the French champions, producing a clinical display that highlighted her consistency in front of goal. The two goals further underlined the remarkable form Tabitha Chawinga has shown since joining the club.

Her performance came only days after she was named Lyonnes Women’s Player of the Month for February, an award that recognized her impressive contributions to the team’s attack in recent weeks.

Tabitha Chawinga’s impressive run with Lyonnes

The Malawian forward appeared inspired by the recognition as she delivered a dominant attacking performance against Le Havre.

Tabitha Chawinga opened the scoring in the 26th minute, finishing off a well-constructed attacking move to give Lyon the lead. She doubled her tally shortly before halftime, finding the net again in the 45th minute to put the hosts firmly in control of the match.

Her brace ensured Lyon headed into the break with a comfortable advantage before captain Wendie Renard added a third goal late in the game to seal the victory.

The win further strengthened Lyon’s position at the top of the Division 1 Féminine standings, as the club continues its push toward another domestic title.

Strong numbers this season

So far this season, Tabitha Chawinga has scored 11 goals in 14 appearances for the French giants, highlighting her role as one of the most dangerous forwards in the league.

Her pace, movement, and ability to finish in front of goal have made her a key attacking weapon for the club.

With Lyon competing in both domestic and international competitions, the contributions of players like Tabitha Chawinga have been vital in maintaining the team’s strong momentum throughout the season.

Following the match, the forward took to social media to celebrate an important personal milestone.

“Honoured to reach 50 appearances in blue and red,” she wrote on her official Facebook page.

“Proud of the milestone and grateful to everyone who has supported the journey. On to the next challenge.”

Lyon dominating the French league

Lyon currently sit comfortably at the top of the Division 1 Féminine table with 49 points from 17 matches, demonstrating their dominance in the competition.

They hold a significant 19-point advantage over second-placed Nantes FC, while Le Havre remain in eighth position with 16 points.

The strong lead reflects the club’s impressive consistency this season, with several players contributing to their attacking and defensive strength.

However, the form of Tabitha Chawinga has been particularly notable as she continues to deliver goals in crucial moments.

Impact beyond club football

The continued success of Tabitha Chawinga at club level is also encouraging news for Malawi’s women’s national team, known as the Scorchers.

Head coach Lovemore Fazili will be pleased to see the team captain performing at such a high level ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to take place later this year.

With her experience and attacking ability, Tabitha Chawinga is expected to play a crucial role in Malawi’s ambitions during the continental tournament.

Journey to Lyon

The forward joined Lyon last year after completing a successful loan spell with Paris Saint-Germain Féminine.

Her move to France came after leaving Chinese club Wuhan FC, where she previously established herself as one of the most prolific forwards in women’s football.

Since arriving at Lyon, Tabitha Chawinga has quickly adapted to the demands of the French league, becoming an important part of the team’s attacking system.

Her ability to score goals, create chances, and lead the forward line has made her a valuable asset for the club.

With Lyon chasing further silverware this season, supporters will be hoping that Tabitha Chawinga can continue her impressive goal-scoring form as the campaign progresses.