FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women moved to the top of the NBM Women’s Championship on Sunday after Vanessa Issa’s second-half strike secured a 1-0 victory over Civil Service Women at Civo Stadium.
The result gives Maule Ladies six points from their opening two matches following their 3-0 victory over Chitoliro Heroines, maintaining their perfect start and back-to-back clean sheets.
Issa’s 74th-minute finish settled another closely contested encounter as Maggie Chombo’s side held firm to claim maximum points on the road.
Civil Women entered the contest on the back of a 5-1 victory over Mighty Wanderers Queens, setting up another demanding test for Chombo’s side.
A Cagey First Half
The hosts threatened first in the seventh minute when Vitumbiko Mkandawire sent a free-kick wide of Sphiwe Mkwalura’s goal.
The contest remained closely balanced, with both sides competing for control without creating a clear opening. Mary Chavinda provided Bullets’ first real threat from a corner in the 22nd minute, sending the delivery into the heart of the area, but no teammate was able to make contact before Martha Cosmas gathered.
Chombo made a double change in the 32nd minute, introducing Vanessa Issa and Carlo Mlenzo for Grace Yotam and Asiyatu George.
Civil enjoyed spells of possession as they looked to work their way forward, but Bullets remained compact and disciplined, limiting the home side to set-piece opportunities and efforts from distance.
Chavinda provided another threat before the interval after Linda Nyangu was fouled, but her resulting free-kick was comfortably held by Cosmas.
Half-time: Civil Service Women 0-0 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women
Issa Breaks The Deadlock
The second half followed a similar pattern, with neither side able to establish a sustained advantage.
Civil made a triple substitution in the 53rd minute, with Alinafe Mpira, Moureen Phiri and Meneni Kapasule introduced for Fatsileni Kazembe, Jessie Yosefe and Bernadetta Nyengo respectively.
Chavinda sent another free-kick wide after the restart, while Shalon Dzimau later delivered into the box following a foul on Lyna James, but the cross went untouched.
Bullets continued to pose a threat from dead-ball situations, with another Chavinda set-piece opportunity in the 61st minute missing the target.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 74th minute.
Chavinda released Lyna James into space, and the midfielder drove a powerful effort against the post. Issa reacted quickest to the rebound, firing home from close range to give Bullets the lead.
Bullets Hold Firm
Civil pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Maule Ladies defended their advantage with discipline and composure. The defensive line stood firm while the midfield closed down spaces, denying the hosts a clear route back into the contest.
Three minutes of added time were signalled, but Civil could not find a way through as Chombo’s side saw out the final stages to secure a second consecutive victory.
The result gives Bullets six points from six, with two clean sheets to start the championship campaign.
Full-time: Civil Service Women 0-1 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women
Player of the Match: Mary Chavinda
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women XI
1 Sphiwe Mkwalura; 3 Lyna James, 2 Effa Msukwa, 25 Grace Yotam (18 Carlo Mlenzo 32’), 13 Ireen Mbesa, 18 Tadala James, 22 Bernadetta Mkandawire, 17 Asiyatu George (26 Vanessa Issa 32’), 15 Shalon Dzimau, 21 Linda Nyangu, 10 Mary Chavinda.
Substitutes Not Used
16 Bridget Malemia, 4 Ulemu Daiti, 6 Chimwemwe Sapangwa, 27 Leah Mussa, 23 Swemma John, 19 Florida Safilodi, 20 Fauzah Mohammed.
Civil Service Women XI
26 Martha Cosmas; 44 Mirrium Josiki (C), 6 Alinafe Milanzi, 7 Anna Bazilio, 10 Bernadetta Nyengo (18 Meneni Kapasule 53’), 13 Jessie Yosefe (6 Moureen Phiri 53’), 22 Gladys Joseph, 25 Atupele Mpoma, 29 Vitumbiko Mkandawire, 33 Emily Samuel, 77 Fatsileni Kazembe (13 Alinafe Mpira 53’).
Substitutes Not Used
Trance Mwenyeheli, Shakira Mustapher, Victoria Banda, Jacqueline Kamputa.
Match Details
Competition: NBM Women’s Championship
Date: Sunday, 27 September 2026
Venue: Civo Stadium
Result: Civil Service Women 0-1 FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women
Goal: Vanessa Issa 74’
Player of the Match: Mary Chavinda
