FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women head coach Maggie Chombo has admitted Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Ascent Academy in Lilongwe was a difficult outing but says the Maule Ladies will regroup during the upcoming international break.
Reflecting on the Match
Speaking after the NBM Women’s Premiership game, Chombo acknowledged the challenge of the encounter, which saw Bullets equalise through Lyna James after conceding early, before falling behind again.
“It was a really tough game. We started well and, after conceding the first goal, we responded positively to equalize. Unfortunately, we then conceded a second, avoidable goal and were unable to prevent the third,” Chombo said.
Injury Concerns
The coach admitted the task became even harder with injuries to three key players, which disrupted the team’s rhythm and reduced attacking options.
Skipper Zainab Kapanda, making her first return from a knock sustained with the Malawi national team in last week’s friendlies against Lesotho, was forced off during Sunday’s encounter after picking up a new injury.
Striker Mary Chavinda, who had also just returned after missing the national team camp following an injury in Bullets’ 4-0 victory over Moyale Sisters a fortnight ago, was similarly forced off with a fresh setback.
Midfielder Asimenye Mwanyongo also picked up a knock during the match but was forced to continue playing as Chombo had already exhausted her substitutions.
“Today, we also lost key players to injuries, and some serious fouls went unpunished by the referee,” Chombo noted.
Looking Ahead
Despite the defeat, Chombo stressed the importance of keeping perspective, with plenty of football still to play this season.
“The league is still long, and we will return to training, using the upcoming Under-20 national team break to regroup and reorganize our squad. We are determined to come back stronger.”
The Maule Ladies remain in sixth position with seven points after five games, still firmly in the race for the top four in the NBM Women’s Premiership.
