The sky fell on China-based women’s football star Tabitha Chawinga on Saturday when her team Jingsu Suning was thumped 3-0 by her sister Temwa’s side Wuhan Jiangda in a Chinese Women Super League match.
It was the first time that Tabitha faced her younger sister Temwa in a competitive match and Suning, who are the champions, were left searching their souls.
Although she did not get on the scoresheet, Temwa said she was delighted to beat her sister’s team.
In an interview yesterday, she said: “Being the reigning champions, they [Jingsu Suning] were the odds-on favourites and we were the underdogs.
“But we executed our game plan to perfection… I think they planned their game around me after getting tips from Tabitha, but in so doing, they opened up opportunities for my teammates.
“So, it felt really good not only coming tops over my sister, but also beating the champions convincingly.”
The win saw Wuhan maintain their 100 percent record, having won all their three games so far.
On her part, Tabitha appeared lost for words, saying: “I really don’t know what to say. It happens, it’s part of the game. Zampira.
“It was painful to register our first loss in as many games dating back to last year, but we’ll go back to the drawing board and reorganise ourselves.”
It was a hugely significant win for Wuhan who finished fourth last season.
The sisters are tied on two goals apiece.
Last Wednesday, Tabitha, 24, was on target as Suning thrashed Henan Jianye 5-0 to add on her tally from their opening match that saw the defending champions beating Hebei China Fortune 3-2.
On the same day, 21-year-old Temwa opened her goal account in the league following a brace that inspired Wuhan to a 5-0 thumping of Hebei in the second round match.
Last season, Tabitha helped Suning win the CWSL title for the first time in a decade. She was recently named Player of the Year for the second time in a row after reclaiming the league’s golden boot.
Temwa joined Tabitha in the Chinese League in January after signing a two-year deal with Wuhan. Last season, she played for Kvarnvedens IK.
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