FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women were held to a 1-1 draw by MDF Lioness in a hard-fought National Bank Women’s Premiership clash at Champion Stadium in Mponela on Saturday afternoon.
The result marked The People’s Team’s third outing of the 2025 campaign, following a 1-0 loss to Ntopwa on opening day and a 3-0 home victory over MK Academy.
Early Setback
Bullets Women suffered an early blow when a lapse in communication at the back allowed MDF Lioness to capitalise, with Laita Magombo netting within seconds from a Catherine Kachala assist.
The goal rattled Maggie Chombo’s side, disrupting rhythm and control throughout much of the first half. MDF pressed high up the pitch, forcing Bullets into hurried clearances and rushed passing in midfield.
Bullets looked to respond through the wide channels, with Chikondi Mgodi and Pilirani Malora making runs down the flanks, but the final ball often failed to find its target, with Mary Chavinda operating as a lone striker and struggling to get consistent service in the final third.
The visitors gradually began to settle, stringing together short passes to slow the game’s tempo, but MDF’s aggressive pressing limited clear-cut chances before the break.
Second-Half Response
A more grounded, possession-based approach after the restart paid off. In the 53rd minute, substitute Vanessa Issa—introduced for Mgodi—made an instant impact with a precise pass for Malora, who calmly slotted home the equaliser.
The goal sparked a wave of confidence, with Bullets beginning to dictate play through quicker passing and improved link-up between midfield and attack.
Iouliah Yiannakis replaced Chavinda to add fresh legs and more control going forward.
The 17-year-old’s presence helped Bullets enjoy a spell of sustained pressure and real intent to push for a winner, but MDF Lioness defended resolutely, making key clearances and interceptions inside their area.
The hosts also remained dangerous on the counter, forcing Bullets’ backline—marshalled by Lyna James—into several crucial interventions to avoid another setback. The match also saw yellow cards for James and Asimenye Mwanyongo during heated moments of play.
Despite several late attempts from both sides, neither could find the decisive goal, and the spoils were ultimately shared in a 1-1 stalemate.
Coach’s Reaction
Bullets Women head coach Maggie Chombo attributed the draw to a slow start and early defensive lapses.
“Our players showed strong determination from the outset, especially considering we had just come from a physically demanding game,” she said. “However, the first half felt like a struggle, so after the break, I instructed the team to focus on controlling possession. Everyone wanted to win, but the opponents played very aggressively.”
Chombo praised her players’ fighting spirit despite the challenges and emphasised that improving finishing will remain a key focus in training.
What It Means
The draw leaves Bullets Women in fourth place on the NBM Women’s Premiership table with four points from three matches, having scored four goals and conceded two.
Kukoma Ntopwa Women top the standings with a perfect nine points from three matches, followed by Ascent Soccer Academy (6 points) and Silver Strikers Ladies (5 points).
