FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women fell 1–0 to Civil Women in a tightly contested midweek clash at Mpira Stadium, leaving Maule Ladies still in the hunt for a top-three finish.
Despite several promising chances, the hosts could not find the back of the net, while Civil Women secured a crucial away victory to move up the league table.
First Half: Tight and Even as Both Sides Search for an Opener
The game started at a high tempo, with both sides probing for an early breakthrough. Civil tested the hosts with a couple of early set-pieces, including a free kick that flew over the crossbar and another that rattled the post.
Bullets responded through Mary Chavinda, who took a long-range free kick, but her effort also went over the bar. The home side created another opening in the 29th minute from a Chavinda free kick, but goalkeeper Martha Cosmos made a comfortable save.
Maggie Chombo’s side made their first substitution just before halftime, bringing on Chikondi Mgodi for Sharon Dzimau to inject fresh energy into midfield. The move paid off immediately as Mgodi combined with Chimwemwe Sapangwa, whose shot narrowly missed the target.
The visitors also made a change, bringing on Maureen Nyasulu for Alinafe Mpira.
HT | Bullets Women 0–0 Civil Women
Second Half: Civil Take the Lead Despite Bullets’ Pressure
The second half began with Maule Ladies showing renewed attacking intent. In the 49th minute, Chavinda set up Mgodi for a shot, but Cosmos made a strong save to keep the game level.
The breakthrough came in the 55th minute when Civil Women capitalized on a rare lapse from Bullets’ defender Bernadetta Mkandawire, who lost the ball deep in the visitors’ half. Mercy Mkandawire slotted home a precise pass from Anna Baziliyo to put the away side ahead, scoring her eighth goal of the season.
Bullets immediately responded with Vanessa Issa replacing Chimwemwe Sapangwa to chase an equalizer.
Both sides continued to create chances. In the 60th minute, Civil earned a corner, with Victoria Banda delivering, but Grace Kazembe’s follow-up went over the bar. Maule continued to press, with Chavinda and Mkandawire testing Cosmos, but the goalkeeper held firm.
Vitumbiko received a yellow card for a foul on Matamando Makawa in the 70th minute. The hosts made a triple substitution in the 78th minute, bringing on Ioulia Yiannakis, Leah Mussah, and Monalisa Mhango for Chavinda, Effa Msukwa, and Mgodi to boost their attacking threat.
Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, Civil Women defended resolutely. Atupele Mpoma received the second yellow card of the match. Despite pushing for a breakthrough, Bullets were unable to capitalize.
FT | Bullets Women 0–1 Civil Women
What It Means
The defeat leaves Maule Ladies in third place with 31 points, keeping them in contention for a top-three finish in the NBM Women’s Premiership.
Champions Silver Strikers Ladies have already wrapped up the title with 45 points after thrashing MK Academy 10–0 in Mzuzu, while Ascent Academy hold second with 38 points following a 3–1 win over Kukoma Ntopwa Women.
MDF Lioness returned to fourth with 28 points after defeating Mighty Wanderers Queens 1-0. Civil Women moved up from sixth to fifth with the same points as the Lionesses but remain behind on goal difference.
With one game remaining for each team, the league is entering its final, decisive stage, and every point will be crucial in determining the final positions.
Coach’s Post-Match Reaction
Chombo reflected on the narrow defeat, praising her team’s effort while acknowledging the result.
“It wasn’t an easy game, but my girls gave their best. One mistake today cost us, and that’s football—we have to accept it and move forward,” she commented after the final whistle.
“We still have a chance to finish in third place. A win today would have solidified that, but now our focus shifts to training as we prepare for the final match against Silver Strikers,” added the Bullets Women coach.
What’s Next
Maule Ladies will finish the season with an away fixture against champions Silver Strikers Ladies in Lilongwe. With one final game remaining, the team will be looking to end the campaign on a high note and put in a strong performance as the NBM Women’s Premiership season comes to a close.
