Ascent Soccer Academy were crowned champions of the Goshen FAM Women’s Championship on Sunday after emerging victorious, defeating Malawi Defence Force (MDF) Lionesses 1-0.
Mirriam Mnenula’s 15th-minute goal secured the win, earning Ascent the K8 million prize and a coveted spot in the CAF Champions League/Cosafa qualifiers in South Africa.
Ascent’s dominance was evident throughout the tournament as they remained undefeated and scored nine goals.
They convincingly defeated Kukoma Ntopwa Queens 4-0 in the quarterfinals and Silver Strikers Ladies 2-0 in the semifinals.
MDF Lionesses, the runners-up, demonstrated impressive skills, with top striker Fazila Chiyembekezo winning the Golden Boot award with three goals.
They took home K4 million and showed remarkable form, defeating FCB Nyasa Big Bullets 4-1 and Civil Service Women 3-0.
Silver Strikers Ladies secured third place, earning K2 million while Civil Service Women finished fourth.
The Football Association of Malawi (FAM) and the National Women’s Football Association (NWFA) praised the tournament’s success, with FAM President Fleetwood Haiya committing to invest more in women’s football.
NWFA President Adelaide Migogo commended the impressive fan turnout.
Goshen City sponsored the tournament with K21 million while FAM contributed K50 million towards prizes, subventions, referees and match organization.
Each of the 10 qualified teams received K1 million, with semi-finalists receiving an additional K1 million.
Ascent’s coach, Thom Mkolongo, attributed their victory to their free-scoring nature while MDF Lionesses’ coach, John Kaputa, acknowledged his team’s efforts despite falling short.
