Swema John’s stoppage-time strike was not enough to rescue a point as Bullets Women’s perfect start to the NBM Women’s Premiership came to an end.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women suffered their first defeat of the 2026/27 NBM Women’s Premiership campaign following a 2-1 loss to Ascent Academy at Mpira Stadium on Monday afternoon.
Maureen Kenneth converted a 13th-minute penalty before the visitors doubled their lead after the break, with substitute Swema John pulling one back in added time.
The result leaves Maggie Chombo’s side on nine points from four matches after opening the season with three successive victories.
Ascent Take Early Lead
Bullets made a positive start, with captain Mary Chavinda sending a free-kick wide in the third minute as the hosts looked for an early breakthrough.
However, Ascent took the lead in the 13th minute after being awarded a penalty for handball.
Kenneth stepped up and converted from the spot to give the visitors the advantage.
The forward threatened again moments later, but goalkeeper Bridget Malemia made the save to prevent Ascent from extending their lead.
Bullets responded in the 17th minute when Linda Nyangu picked out Vanessa Issa in a promising position, but the forward sent her effort wide.
Bullets Push for an Equaliser
Chombo’s side continued searching for a response, looking to break through the visitors’ defence.
Five minutes before the interval, Chavinda found Nyangu in a promising position, but the midfielder fired over the crossbar.
Ascent remained dangerous going forward, although Bullets prevented further damage as the half progressed.
Kenneth’s penalty remained the difference at the break.
Ascent Double Their Advantage
Bullets returned for the second half looking to restore parity, pushing forward against an organised Ascent defence.
The visitors’ Mayamiko Mkandawire received a yellow card in the 57th minute following a challenge on Lyna James.
Ascent made a double substitution six minutes later before Chombo introduced Swema John for Vanessa Issa in the 66th minute.
However, the visitors doubled their advantage in the 73rd minute, capitalising on a defensive error to make it 2-0.
The setback left Bullets with a difficult task, but the hosts continued pushing forward in search of a way back into the contest.
John Strikes Late
Bullets continued pressing as the game entered its closing stages, looking to reduce the deficit.
Their persistence was rewarded in the first minute of added time when Ireen Mbesa picked out John, who finished to make it 2-1.
The substitute’s goal gave the hosts hope of salvaging a point, but Ascent held firm to secure all three points.
The result ended Bullets Women’s three-match winning run following victories over Chitoliro, Civil Service Women and FACT Ladies.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women XI
16 Bridget Malemia; 22 Bernadetta Mkandawire, 3 Lyna James, 5 Trizzah Chiwere, 13 Ireen Mbesa; 20 Fauzah Mohammed, 8 Carlo Mlenzo, 21 Linda Nyangu, 18 Tadala James; 10 Mary Chavinda (C), 26 Vanessa Issa (23 Swema John 66’).
Substitutes Not Used
1 Sphiwe Mkwalura, 2 Effa Msukwa, 4 Ulemu Daiti, 6 Chimwemwe Sapangwa, 15 Shalon Dzimau, 19 Florida Safilodi, 25 Grace Yotam, 27 Leah Mussa.
Ascent Academy XI
1 Patricia Kachepa; 5 Maggie Chavura, 20 Deborah Jere, 11 Maureen Kenneth, 15 Deliness Missing, 14 Talandira Chinyamvura, 12 Leticia Chinyamura, 17 Victoria Mkwara, 19 Mayamiko Mkandawire, 9 Fatima Lali, 13 Alephar Chimbeta.
Substitutes
16 Loveness Chabwera, 4 Alinafe Majola, 24 Oreen Luhanga, 10 Marium Mnenula, 18 Lizzie Evans, 7 Genius Fyson.
Match Statistics
Goals: Swema John 90+1’ (Bullets); Maureen Kenneth 13’ (pen), second goalscorer unconfirmed (Ascent Academy).
Bookings: Mayamiko Mkandawire 57’ (Ascent Academy).
Player of the Match: Maggie Chavula (Ascent Academy).
Match Details
Fixture: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women vs Ascent Academy
Competition: NBM Women’s Premiership
Date: 19 October 2026
Venue: Mpira Stadium, Blantyre
Result: Bullets Women 1-2 Ascent Academy.
