Ascent Soccer anchors Malawi to historic first World Cup!

Five Ascent Soccer players are helping write the most important chapter yet in Malawian football history.

When Rose Kadzere found the back of the net in the 79th minute against Ghana on Sunday, football in Malawi was forever changed.

The 20-year-old Ascent Soccer graduate scored the winning goal as Malawi defeated Ghana 2-1 in the WAFCON quarterfinals, sending the Scorchers to their first-ever African Cup of Nations semifinal — and, more importantly, securing Malawi’s first-ever qualification (male or female) for the FIFA World Cup.

Starting as WAFCON debutants ranked 153rd in the world, Malawi has now arrived on the global stage.

And five players in this historic squad are a product of the Ascent Soccer development pathway.

Current academy players Maggie Chavula and Leticia Chinyamula have been joined by graduates Ireen Khumalo, Faith Chinzimu (pictured right) and Rose Kadzere (pictured center) — a remarkable representation of the academy’s decade-long investment in girls’ football.

Two of those graduates, now plying their trade in Europe, have been particularly influential.

Rose Kadzere (Montpellier in France) and Faith Chinzimu (BK Häcken in Sweden), have brought a composure and maturity to Malawi’s midfield that belies their age. At just 20 and 19, the pair have stood out for their tenacity, range of passing and ability to take charge of the match tempo.

Those qualities were on full display in Malawi’s historic 3-2 victory over defending champions Nigeria. Rose and Faith were central to the Scorchers’ ability to play through Nigeria’s pressure and maintain their composure in one of the biggest matches in Malawian football history.

The victory over the 10-time WAFCON and defending champions announced Malawi as a serious contender. A win over Egypt then saw the Scorchers top Group C.

Then came Ghana.

And Rose.

Her composed finish secured the quarterfinal victory — and a place at Brazil 2027.

The Scorchers now face Algeria in Wednesday’s semifinal, with a place in the WAFCON final within reach.

For Ascent Soccer, this moment is about more than five players.

It is about our staff, community and this country. And, it’s a glimpse at what’s possible when girls of talent and promise are given the opportunity, environment and support to develop — and then the chance to show the world what’s truly possible.

Malawi and Ascent Soccer are going to the World Cup, and they’re just getting started!