Ascent Academy have started their campaign for the 2024 Caf Champions League/Cosafa Qualifier impressively after defeating Young Buffaloes of Eswatini 2-1 at Mpir a Stadium in Blantyre Friday.
They became the first local side to win a game in the competition after their compatriots Kukoma Ntopwa lost twice and drew once on their debut to bow out of the continental showpiece last year in South Africa.
Buoyed by a home crowd, the home team took the game by its horns by scoring early to unsettle the visitors.
Barely a minute into the game, Faith Chinzimu gave Ascent the lead with an emphatic finish after she rounded off two defenders before placing the ball beyond goalkeeper Gcinile Dlamini.
It was an entertaining and balanced affair with both sides creating chances.
Buffaloes equalised through Sandiswa Ngcamphalala after a defensive blunder by Maggie Chavula in the 12th minute.
Alefa Chimbeta restored Ascent’s lead in the 41st minute following a pass from Chinzimu.
In the second half both teams made changes but Ascent hung on to their slender lead.
Ascent coach Thom Mkorongo was pleased with the result but felt there was room for improvement.
“It is always important to start the tournament with victory as it gives you confidence. However, we will not get complacent and we will continue working on improving the team,” Mkorongo said.
Ascent will face UD Lichinga from Mozambique tomorrow.
Ascent will wrap up their group stage campaign against Gaborone United from Botswana on Tuesday.
Earlier, Gaborone United Ladies of Botswana drew 0-0 with Mozambique UD Lichinga.
In opening matches on Thursday, Zimbabwe’s Herentals beat Ongos of Angola 3-1 whereas Zambia’s Green Buffaloes defeated South Africa’s University of Western Cape (UWC) 1-0.
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