Ascent Soccer Academy Coach Thom Mkolongo believes his team can cause an upset in the 2024 Caf Champions League/Cosafa Qualifier scheduled for August 15 to 24 at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre.
Mkolongo was reacting to the draw conducted in South Africa Wednesday.
Ascent have been placed in Group B alongside two other debutants, Gaborone United (Botswana) and Uniao Desportiva de Lichinga from Mozambique as well as Young Buffaloes from eSwatini.
Mkolongo said with thorough preparations and planning, his team could spring a surprise.
“In modern football, there are no easy matches or groups. We may be seen as underdogs in the group but we are prepared to compete. Moreover, playing at home gives us an advantage,” Mkolongo said.
Ascent is currently in Iceland participating in the 2024 Rey Cup, alongside Arsenal from England,.
They will be the second Malawian team to participate in the Cosafa tournament after Kukoma Ntopwa did so last year.
The team features promising young talents such as Leticia Chinyamula, Rose Kabzere, Maggie Chavula and Faith Chinzimu.
Chairperson for National Women’s Football Association Adellaide Migogo expressed optimism about Ascent’s prospects in the tournament.
“This is a great opportunity for Ascent to showcase their quality and skill. We have great faith in the team,” Migogo said.
Ascent secured their spot in the tournament by winning the Fam Goshen Championship, defeating MDF Lionesses 1-0 in the final.
On their way to the final, they also defeated Ntopwa 4-0 and Silver Strikers Ladies 2-0 at Bingu National Stadium.
On paper, Group A appears to be tougher than Group B, which is considered a challenging group.
Group A includes 2022 champions Green Buffaloes from Zambia, University of Western Cape (South Africa), Zimbabwe champions Herentals Queens and FC Ongos from Namibia.
Two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals of the competition, with the overall winner proceeding to the continental finals.
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