Skippers FC and Ascent Academy have made a flying start to the Malawi National Women’s Football Championship after winning their opening games over the weekend.

Skippers lead Group A of the two-stream championship after thrashing Moyale Sisters 5-2 with Gertrude Chiona and Shupie Nkhoma scoring for the hosts in the ninth and 57^th minutes on Sunday.

Skippers made an emphatic reply as striker Linda Kasenda scored a hat-trick in the 6^th, 24^th and 52^nd minutes with Bernadetter Nyenga bagging a brace in the 34^th and 37^th minutes.

Skippers have three points ahead of Blantyre Zero and Ntopwa who have one point apiece whereas Moyale are bottom without a point with all teams having placed once.

Blantyre started the campaign with a one-all draw against Ntopwa who went ahead through Yamikani Mhango in the 38^th minute before Emily Jossamu levelled matters in the 69^th minute on Saturday.

In Group B, Lilongwe-based Ascent are rising having seen off bottom-placed Bangwe Super Queens 13-0 courtesy of a treble from Ireen Khumalo, yet another hat trick from Leticia Chinyamula, one goal from  Cathy Gaudi and six goals off the boots of Rose Kabzere.

Ascent are leading due to a better goal aggregate otherwise they have three points similar to DD Sunshine also from Lilongwe.

Sunshine beat Bangwe 8-0 on Saturday when Gladys Banda (five goals), Wezzie Mvula (two goals) and Fanny Mwale (one) were on target.

Week One leading scorers:

                          Goals Games

Gladys Banda           5       1

Cathy Gaudi         4       1

Ireen Khumalo     3       1

Linda Kasenda        3       1

Leticia Chinyamula 3     1

Bernadetter Nyenga  2       1

Getrude Chiona       1         1

Shupie Nkhoma       1     1

Cathy Gaudi             1     1

Yamikani Mhango  1    1

Emily Jossamu        1         1