UEFA WCL: Malawian Chawinga reacts to Lyon’s victory over Arsenal

Malawian star Tabitha Chawinga has reacted to her team, Olympique Lyonnais Féminin’s 2-1 win over Arsenal Women’s in the UEFA Champions League semifinal, first leg on Saturday.

Chawinga played for 79 minutes for Lyon as they sealed the win following goals from Kadidiatou Diani and Melchie Dumornay at Emirates Stadium in North London. Mariona Caldentey scored the hosts’ consolation goal from the penalty spot.

The Malawi skipper told Pan-Africa Football that Lyon approached the game with a strong defensive and offensive approach, knowing that Arsenal are strong.

“It was a good game, and the approach was different from how we played against Bayern Munich. Against Bayern, we took a different approach, looking at several factors, and against Arsenal, we had to come up with new ideas,” she said.

Chawinga said Lyon defended in numbers to avoid being exposed at the back while ensuring they scored on the road.

“The coach asked us to defend collectively and attack in numbers. It was a matter of applying what the coach drilled us in training. I tried my best to apply this,” she said.

On the prospect of Lyon winning a ninth UEFA Champions League title, the former Paris-Saint-Germain attacker insisted that there was a long way to go.

“The chances are there, but we have to work hard. We enter the Champions League wanting to reach the final and eventually win it, and the same is the case with our opponents,” Chawinga added.

The 28-year-old has played a great role in helping Lyon reach the last-four stage after scoring at home and away to boot out Bayern Munich women’s team from the quarterfinals.

Lyon will welcome Arsenal on April 27, 2025, in France.