Malawi's Global Goal-Getters: Mhango and Chawinga Score Big for Their Clubs

 

Gabadinho Mhango

Malawi's footballing stars, Flames captain Frank Gabadinho Mhango and Scorchers counterpart Tabitha Chawinga, both found the back of the net for their respective clubs in league matches on Saturday, showcasing their continued prowess on the international stage.

In a thrilling encounter monitored on SuperSport television, Mhango emerged as the hero for Richards Bay, snatching a late equaliser from the penalty spot against Polokwane in a Betway Premiership match. Awarded after a foul in the box, the Flames marksman coolly converted in the 86th minute, cancelling out Polokwane’s first-half goal and salvaging a crucial point.

This strike takes Mhango's season tally to three goals, placing him three behind joint leading scorers Sede Junior Dion of Golden Arrows and Sekhukhune United’s Bradley Grobler.

Speaking after the match, the seasoned striker, who has previously played for Marumo Gallants, Moroka Swallows, AmaZulu, Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits, Golden Arrows, and Bloemfontein Celtic, emphasised the goal's significance: "The equaliser was vital because we avoided back-to-back defeats. It is also not easy to earn a point away."

Richards Bay currently sit 12th in the 16-team South African top-flight with 12 points from 11 matches, 10 points adrift of leaders and champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Meanwhile, Magesi FC, coached by Mhango’s compatriot John Maduka, find themselves second from the bottom with nine points from 11 matches.

Tabitha Chawinga 

Meanwhile, in France, Tabitha Chawinga continued her sensational form, bagging the lone goal as Olympique Lyon edged Paris FC. Her 75th-minute strike secured a hard-fought victory, maintaining Lyon's perfect record of six wins from six matches in the league.

Chawinga's goal came shortly after her triumphant return to club duty, having just led the Scorchers to their maiden Women’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification with a decisive 2-0 aggregate win over Angola earlier in the week. Lyon now stand proudly at the top of their league with 18 points from their six outings.