Leticia Chinyamula’s first-half header proved decisive as Ascent Soccer Academy edged Civo Service Women 1-0 in a tightly contested NBM Women’s Premiership clash at Civo Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The result sees Ascent Soccer maintain second place in the league standings with 9 points from four games, trailing current leaders Silver Strikers Ladies by three points.
It was a spirited and high-tempo start from both sides, but Ascent looked more threatening in the early exchanges. In the 12th minute, Alepha Chimbeta unleashed a powerful shot from range that was brilliantly parried by Civo goalkeeper Martha Cosmas. The rebound fell to Mayamiko Mkandawire, whose follow-up effort was dramatically cleared off the line by Glady Joseph.
Five minutes later, Ascent nearly broke the deadlock bizarrely. A defensive clearance from Emily Samuel struck Mkandawire in the face, and the deflected ball looped over the keeper only to rattle the crossbar and bounce out of play.
Civo gradually found their rhythm as Jessie Yosefe and Mercy Vitumbiko Mkandawire probed the Ascent defence, but failed to capitalise on their chances.
The breakthrough finally came in the 31st minute. Ascent earned a corner, which Chimbeta curled into the box. Rising highest, Chinyamula connected with a thumping header that flew into the top corner, leaving Cosmas with no cha8nce.
Despite trailing, Civo responded positively. On two separate occasions before halftime, Mercy Vitumbiko Mkandawire and Anna Bazilio had golden opportunities to level the score, but both efforts were either saved or narrowly missed the target.
Ascent goalkeeper Patricia Kachepa was instrumental in maintaining her side’s lead, pulling off several key saves throughout the match, including a critical stop from Glady Joseph’s threatening free-kick early in the second half.
Civo applied sustained pressure in the final 20 minutes, with substitute Benadetta Nyenga coming close with a clever backheel that was deflected wide. However, Ascent’s defence, marshalled with composure and grit, held firm until the final whistle.
Leticia Chinyamula was named Player of the Match for her commanding performance and match-winning goal.
Ascent Soccer Academy head coach Thom Mkolongo was pleased with the result, especially considering the away setting.
“It was a good game, we scored and managed the match well. It wasn’t easy because we were playing away, but winning against city rivals is always a big positive for us,” Mkolongo said.
Civo Service Women’s head coach Collins Pofera admitted his side struggled across the pitch.
“We struggled in every department. We concede this defeat, and we will go back and work on the areas we lacked. There’s still a long way to go,” Pofera stated.
