Sports and Games

Temwa Chawinga basks in Kansas cup glory

Temwa Chawinga basks in Kansas cup glory

Malawi Women’s National Football Team striker Temwa Chawinga has won her first trophy with US club Kansas City Current after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 in the Summer Cup final at KPKC Stadium on Saturday.

Temwa was not on the scoresheet but provided an assist for Debinha’s goal in the 12 minute of the match.

However, the Malawian scored in a 2-0 victory over North Carolina in the same cup last week.

“The Current broke through minutes later following a brilliant team move. In the 12th minute, Debinha found Chawinga near the top of Atletico’s 18-yard box, and Chawinga met the Brazilian’s darting run with an inch-perfect return pass that rolled just to the left of the penalty spot. Debinha completed the move with a left footed strike that found the bottom corner of the goal to put the Current ahead 1-0,” the Kansas website reports.

Kansas also defeated South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies 3-0 on their way to the final.

Temwa did not hide her excitement for winning the trophy.

“I am really happy to win the first trophy with the club. We now focus on the league. There is more to come this season,” the former Wuhan Jiangda striker said.

Kansas will turn their attention to the National Women’s Super League (NWSL) following the break due to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in France.

They will face Washington Spirit on Sunday.

Scorchers Coach Lovemore Fazili hailed Temwa for her exploits.

“She is a serial winner. I am very happy with her performance,” Fazili said.

The Scorchers striker is the joint scorer in the NWSL with 12 goals alongside Zambian Barbara Banda.

She had an incredible season last year as she won three golden boot awards including scoring 30 goals while playing for Wuhan Jiangda.

Chawinga scored nine goals as the Scorchers won the 2023 Cosafa Women’s Championship in South Africa.

She was also named Player of the Tournament.