Five Ascent standouts lead Malawi Senior Women's National Team to first COSAFA title

For the first time in Malawi's history, the Senior Women's National Team claimed the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) Cup, with some major contributions from the emerging youth academy talent of Ascent Soccer.

The 2-1 championship final victory over Zambia saw Ascent's Rose Kabzere (17) and Leticia Chinyamula (17) in the starting eleven, with both Rose and Leticia appearing in all five of the 'Scorchers' matches (3 starts / 2 substitute appearances) at the event.

The Ascent Soccer 'youth movement' didn't stop there, with Faith Chinzumu (16) and Maggie Chavula (18) also cracking the line-up, alongside Ascent graduate Ireen Khulamo (20) who was locked in at left back for the Malawi women.

In the five tournament wins over Zambia, Mozambique, Madagascar, Eswatini and hosts South Africa, Rose (pictured second from left, above) collected a goal and four assists, with Leticia netting a pair of goals.

These amazing young women of Ascent Soccer are already reaching new heights -- going from rural dirt fields to national teams and global pathways and from a future of scarcity to one of hope and opportunity.

Congratulations to Football Association of Malawi (FAM) on this historic victory.