Ascent U21 Girls about to embark on a global first
When the Ascent Soccer U21 Girls hit the field on Friday, they will become the first youth team ever, to compete in an adult/senior Champions League event.
Ascent earned this CAF Champions League qualifying spot in May with their stunning victory at Malawi's Senior Women’s National Championship. They will now have the honour of playing on home soil, with this eight-team event being hosted at Blantyre's Mpira Stadium.
With last year's Champions League winners, South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns, already holding one of the COSAFA region's qualifying spots, only the winner of this tournament will earn a place in the CAF Champions League main draw.
Ascent is matched up in Group B with Young Buffaloes (Eswatini), UD Lichinga (Mozambique) and Gaborone United Ladies (Botswana).
The Ascent squad qualified for this event with a roster that averaged just 17.5 years of age, and this will be another incredible growth opportunity for the Ascent Soccer girls.
Led by U21 Head Coach and Ascent Operations Director Thom Mkolongo (pictured in pre-tournament camp in Blantyre), there is plenty of belief in this youthful group. "Our girls deserve this opportunity and we're thrilled to get a chance to make history at home in Malawi," shared Mkolongo. "Equity is at the core of Ascent Soccer and our amazing girls continue to shine."
Follow us on social media for the event's live feed and for all of the results.
2024 CAF Women's Champions League - COSAFA Qualifier
Mpira Stadium, Blantyre, Malawi (all times local)
Fri Aug 16 - Ascent Soccer Academy vs Young Buffaloes (Eswatini), 3pm
Sun Aug 18 - Ascent Soccer Academy vs UD Lichinga (Mozambique), 3pm
Tue Aug 20 - Ascent Soccer Academy vs Gaborone United Ladies (Botswana), 3pm
Thu Aug 22 - Semifinals, 12pm & 3pm
Sat Aug 24 - Final, 3pm