Young footballers who carried Malawi’s flag at the Gothia Cup in Sweden have earned recognition after their impressive debut at the world’s biggest youth football tournament.
Ascent Soccer Academy’s Under-14 boys enjoyed a memorable campaign by reaching the Round of 16 in the Boys Under-14 Playoff A on their first appearance at the prestigious competition. The girls’ team also marked a significant milestone by competing at the Gothia Cup for the first time.
The boys opened their campaign with a hard-fought goalless draw against Iceland’s FH 1 before producing a dominant 5-0 victory over Sweden’s Utbynäs SK. The results secured a second-place finish in a group that also featured Norway’s HSV Fotball 2 and Sweden’s Västerås SK Ungdom 2, earning them a place in the knockout stages.
The academy’s impressive showing has earned praise from sponsor One Nico Group, which says the historic Gothia Cup debut demonstrates the potential of Malawi’s young talent and highlights how investing in young people can transform lives and inspire future generations.
One Nico Group Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Taweni Gondwe Xaba said the company was proud to stand behind young athletes who had represented Malawi with determination and pride.
“We are incredibly proud to support these young athletes as they represent Malawi on the international stage. We believe that investing in young people is an investment in our country’s future,” said Xaba.
She said the sponsorship reflects One Nico’s broader commitment to creating opportunities for young Malawians to develop their abilities, gain international exposure and pursue their dreams.
Ascent Soccer Academy’s Under-14 boys enjoyed a memorable campaign by reaching the Round of 16 in the Boys Under-14 Playoff A on their first appearance at the prestigious competition. The girls’ team also marked a significant milestone by competing at the Gothia Cup for the first time.
The boys opened their campaign with a hard-fought goalless draw against Iceland’s FH 1 before producing a dominant 5-0 victory over Sweden’s Utbynäs SK. The results secured a second-place finish in a group that also featured Norway’s HSV Fotball 2 and Sweden’s Västerås SK Ungdom 2, earning them a place in the knockout stages.
The academy’s impressive showing has earned praise from sponsor One Nico Group, which says the historic Gothia Cup debut demonstrates the potential of Malawi’s young talent and highlights how investing in young people can transform lives and inspire future generations.
One Nico Group Head of Marketing and Customer Experience Taweni Gondwe Xaba said the company was proud to stand behind young athletes who had represented Malawi with determination and pride.
“We are incredibly proud to support these young athletes as they represent Malawi on the international stage. We believe that investing in young people is an investment in our country’s future,” said Xaba.
She said the sponsorship reflects One Nico’s broader commitment to creating opportunities for young Malawians to develop their abilities, gain international exposure and pursue their dreams.
