Despite taking the lead twice, Malawi’s ambassadors in Caf Women’s Champions League/Cosafa Qualifiers, Ascent Soccer Academy, have been knocked out of the competition after losing to Botswana’s Gaborone United 3-2 at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre yesterday.
Ascent, who started the qualifiers brightly after beating Young Buffaloes of eSwatini 2-1 on Friday, have finished the qualifiers at the bottom of Group B with three points, whereas Gaborone have progressed as the group’s leaders.
They amassed five points.
Buffaloes sealed the group’s last slot after thrashing UD Lichinga of Mozambique 4-0.
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The two sides tied at four points but Buffaloes edged their counterparts on goal difference.
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Ascent started the match promisingly, with Faith Chinzimu volleying in from close range after connecting a corner-kick from the left side of the pitch.
Gaborone hit back in the 17th minute when Keitumetse Dithebe scored straight from a corner-kick, which proved difficult to deal with.
However, forward Alephar Chimbeta restored Ascent’s lead after placing a low effort into an empty net, in the process colliding with advancing Gaborone keeper Tlamelo Pheresi— leaving her down injured.
The match was stopped for about 10 minutes as Pheresi received treatment before an ambulance was called onto the pitch to take her to the hospital.
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Refilwe Tafa replaced her between the goalposts. Ascent were living dangerously and Gaborone deservedly equalised through Maungo Jessica Maponga, who beat Ascent keeper Patricia Kachepa.
Laone Moloi scored Gaborone’s winning goal in the 76th minute with a deft finish after she took advantage of Ascent’s poor defending.
Ascent Coach Thom Mkorongo conceded defeat, saying things did not work well in some departments.
“We started well in the first and scored those two goals. In the second half, we were tired and did not play well. Overall, we have learnt a lot from the competition,” Mkolongo said.
Gaborone Coach Khalid Niyonzima said they reacted quickly and positively after their game-plan was affected when Ascent scored first.
In the semifinals, Gaborone will meet Herental Queens of Zimbabwe while South Africa’s University of the Western Cape will date Buffaloes in another tie.
