FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women produced a spirited second-half comeback to defeat Ascent Academy 2–1 in an entertaining NBM Women’s Premiership clash at Mpira Stadium on Saturday, as substitute Mary Chavinda scored twice to seal a deserved victory.
First Half: The Visitors Take Early Lead
Ascent Academy made a strong start and took the lead inside four minutes. Fatima Lali broke the deadlock with a close-range finish after a well-timed assist from Mayamiko Mkandawire, giving the visitors early control of the match.
Thom Mkorongo’s side continued to apply pressure and earned a corner in the ninth minute, taken by Alephar Chimbeta, but Bullets’ defence stood firm to clear the danger. By the 17th minute, Bullets had begun to settle into the game, gaining momentum and pushing forward in search of an equaliser, though Ascent remained compact and disciplined at the back.
In the 20th minute, Bullets made an early tactical change as Chavinda replaced Fauzah Muhammad, with both players making their return from injury. The change injected urgency into the Bullets attack and helped shift the balance of play.
The visitors came close to doubling their lead in the 25th minute when Chimbeta skipped past Triza Chiwere and unleashed a powerful shot that rattled the crossbar. The follow-up attempt went wide, with the offside flag raised shortly after. A minute later, Ascent won another corner, but Thokozani Mwase rose confidently to clear the danger.
Bullets responded immediately with a corner of their own in the 29th minute. Chavinda delivered a teasing ball toward Linda Nyangu at the near post, but the set piece drifted out of play before Nyangu could connect.
Both teams continued to push for control as the half progressed, with the Maule Ladies pressing higher up the pitch while Ascent looked to protect their narrow advantage. At the break, the visitors held a 1–0 lead.
Second Half: Chavinda’s Double Turns the Game Around
Bullets returned from the break with greater urgency and were rewarded almost immediately. Just two minutes after the restart, Chavinda brought the home side level, calmly finishing after Matamando Makawa slipped her through following a clever pass from Linda Nyangu.
In the 49th minute, Bullets made a tactical adjustment, introducing Vanessa Issa in place of Nyangu to add energy and drive in midfield. The change further strengthened Bullets’ attacking play as they continued to push forward.
The comeback was completed in the 55th minute when Chavinda produced a moment of brilliance, curling a stunning free kick from 30 yards straight into the net to put Bullets 2–1 ahead. The goal firmly swung momentum in favour of the Maule Ladies, who began to dominate possession and dictate the tempo of the match.
Ascent attempted to respond and earned a free kick just outside the box in the 69th minute, but Maggie Chavula’s effort was well saved by Mwase. Bullets remained composed and made another substitution in the 75th minute, with Sharon Dzimau replacing Asimenye Mwanyongo as the home side looked to maintain control.
Issa won a free kick in the 82nd minute, and Chavinda stepped up in search of a hat-trick, but her effort was comfortably gathered by the goalkeeper. Moments later, Ascent pushed forward through Leticia Chinyamula, but Mwase was alert and dealt with the danger.
In the closing stages, Ascent enjoyed more of the ball as they searched for an equaliser, but Bullets defended resolutely to see out the contest.
The final whistle confirmed a memorable 2–1 comeback victory at Mpira Stadium, as Bullets claimed sweet revenge for the 3–1 defeat suffered in Lilongwe during the first round, with Chavinda marking her return from injury in unforgettable fashion by scoring a match-winning brace from the bench.
What It Means
The result takes Bullets to third position in the NBM Women’s Premiership standings with 25 points, while Ascent Academy remain second with 29 points. Silver Strikers Ladies top the table with 36 points, and MDF Lioness are fourth on 22 points, with a game in hand. They face Kukoma Ntopwa Women at Mpira Stadium on Sunday.
This result boosts Bullets’ confidence and keeps them firmly in the race for top positions in the league.
What’s Next
Bullets Women will aim to build on this performance, maintain consistency, and continue their push for a higher finish in the NBM Women’s Premiership.
