Ascent Soccer have made a bright start to the 2023 Rey Cup after thrashing Vidur Reinir 8-0 in Reykjavik, Iceland, Thursday.
According to Ascent Director Thom Mkolongo who has travelled with the team, midfielder Mwisho Mhango was the toast of the day when he netted a hat-trick.
Mkolongo said Lameck Mithi, Gift Chibala, Yusufu Nathunga, Hermas Masinja and Blessings Lungu scored a goal each.
“The performance of the team in the first match has been very impressive and it was amazing to see the players giving out their best.
“The players used the ball quite well throughout the game but we should not get carried away with the result as there are some teams from the United States and England and they can do anything to our team,’’ Mkolongo said.
Ascent are set to wrap up their group stage campaign with two matches today.
The tournament has attracted academy sides from some big teams in Europe including Bayern Munich of Germany and English sides Brighton and Holve Albion and Blackburn Rovers.
Ascent left the country on July 20 for the tournament.
The Lilongwe-based side also played two friendlies against academies of some Icelandic teams and won both games.
Mark Shweck is in charge of the under-16 Ascent boys’ team.
Ascent are the first Malawian and the second African team to participate in the Rey Cup.
During the tour, the players have an opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonders of Iceland’s flora, fauna and landscape.
Last year, Ascent travelled to South Africa where they played against academy teams for Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United and Stellenbosch.
