FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women brought their inaugural NBM Women’s Premiership campaign to a close with a 2–1 defeat to Silver Ladies at Silver Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In a tightly contested finale, the Maule Ladies showed resilience and attacking intent but were edged out by a disciplined home side that would go on to be crowned champions.
Chimwemwe Sapangwa put Maule Ladies in front in the 40th minute, but the hosts responded almost immediately as Ireen Khumalo converted from the penalty spot two minutes later, sending the sides into the break level at 1–1.
First Half: Late goals leave it level at the break
Andrew Chikhosi’s side began the contest on the front foot, enjoying early possession and forcing Bullets to defend deep in the opening exchanges. By the fifth minute, the hosts were pressing aggressively, although Bullets remained organised and disciplined at the back.
The Bankers threatened through Khumalo, who was denied by Bernadetta Mkandawire as she attempted to break into the box. The pressure continued, but Bullets goalkeeper Bridget Malemia produced a brilliant double save to keep the hosts at bay during Silver’s strongest spell.
Maggie Chombo made an early tactical switch in the 20th minute, introducing Matamando Makawa for Florida Safilodi. The change paid immediate dividends as the midfielder injected energy down the left flank, winning possession and looking to pick out teammates in the area.
After Khumalo was cautioned for a late challenge, Bullets enjoyed a spell of pressure, winning corners and testing the Silver defence.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 40th minute when Sapangwa showed composure and quality, beating an opponent to create space before pouncing into the top of the net to put Bullets ahead. However, Silver responded almost immediately, with Khumalo calmly converting from the penalty spot two minutes later to restore parity before the interval.
HT: Silver Strikers Ladies 1-1 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women
Second Half: Silver edge ahead in a tense finale
The visitors emerged from the break looking to assert themselves, but Silver continued to pose a threat on the counter. A penalty appeal from Bullets was waved away after Makawa went down in the box, while our captain Carol Mulenzo was booked shortly after for disputing a decision.
The rhythm of the match was disrupted by injuries, with Sapangwa briefly stretchered off before returning, and Makawa also receiving treatment. Silver capitalised in the 65th minute when Bullets failed to clear their lines from a corner, allowing Wezzi Mvula to strike and give the hosts a 2–1 lead.
Both sides made changes as the game opened up. Bullets introduced Efa Msukwa, Ioulia Yiannakis and Vanessa Issa in search of an equaliser, while Silver’s substitute Carolyne Mathyola came close to extending the lead with a shot that struck the crossbar.
Bullets pushed late on, earning free kicks and corners, but Silver defended resolutely. Despite sustained pressure in the closing stages, including a final corner in stoppage time, the Maule Ladies were unable to find a way back into the match.
FT: Silver Strikers Ladies 2-1 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women
What It Means
With the defeat, Bullets Women, who could have finished third with a win or draw, settled for fourth place in the inaugural NBM Women’s Premiership with 31 points, narrowly missing out on a top-three finish after being overtaken by MDF Lioness on goal difference. MDF secured third place with a 4–0 away victory over relegated Topik Academy in Mzuzu, ending the campaign with a goal difference of +17, compared to Bullets’ +13.
Silver Ladies claimed the championship with 48 points, while Ascent Academy finished second on 41 points following a commanding win on the final day. Civil Service Women placed fifth with 29 points, Kukoma Ntopwa Women finished sixth on 28 points, and Mighty Wanderers Queens ended the campaign seventh with 26 points.
Mzuzu sides Topik Academy, MK Academy and Moyale Sisters were relegated from the top flight.
What’s Next
Bullets Women will now shift focus to off-season planning and preparations ahead of the next NBM Women’s Premiership campaign, aiming to build on a competitive debut season in the top flight.
