Ascent Bows Out of CAF Women's Champions League COSAFA Qualifiers
Gaborone United will face Herentals Queens FC in the early match, followed by University of the Western Cape against Young Buffaloes.
BLANTYRE, Malawi - Malawi's representative in the CAF Women's Champions League COSAFA qualifiers, Ascent Academy, has been eliminated from the tournament after losing 3-2 to Gaborone United of Botswana in their final group B match on Tuesday, writes Happy Valirani.
Ascent took an early lead in the 5th minute through Faith Chinzimu, but Gaborone equalized in the 17th minute through Keitumetse Dithebe.
Alepher Chimbeta put Ascent back in front in the 30th minute, but a goal from substitute Maungo Jessica Maponga leveled the score four minutes after the break.
Laone Moloi put Gaborone United ahead in the 76th minute, securing their victory and top spot in the group with 5 points.
In another group B match, Young Buffaloes of Eswatini beat UD de Lichinga of Mozambique 4-0 to advance to the semi-finals as runners-up.
Ascent finished 4th in group B with three points. Head coach Thom Mkolongo attributed the loss to fatigue.
"We started well in the first half, we scored two goals, but some other departments were not quite good, and in the second half it really showed that most of the players were very tired," he said.
"At the same time, we didn't play well in the second half. But overall, I can say that this is a very good tournament, we have learnt a lot."
Gaborone United coach Khalid Niyonyima praised his players for their hard work and thanked the team's supporters.
"Let me first thank my players for the hard work and dedication they have done and also I would like to thank the Gaborone supporters and the management for their support," he said.
"I am happy that we have won the game and progressed to the semi-finals."
In group A, University of the Western Cape of South Africa and Herentals Queens of Zimbabwe qualified for the semi-finals, finishing first and second with 6 points each.
The semi-finals will take place on Thursday, August 22nd at Mpira Stadium.
Gaborone United will face Herentals Queens FC in the early match, followed by University of the Western Cape against Young Buffaloes.