The fourth Women’s Blantyre derby ended in favour of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women following a 3-0 victory over Mighty Wanderers Queens at Chilomoni Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Second-half strikes from Sharon Dzimau, Tendai Sani and Trizzer Chiwere were enough for Maggie Chombo’s ladies to collect all three points over our rivals in the Goshen-FAM Women’s Football Southern Region League.
What Happened…
Both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the opening ten minutes, but Bullets ignited the derby in the 13th minute. Wongani Mnenula had a chance to break the deadlock; however, the former Wanderers wing-forward’s effort went off target.
Controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the tie, we had another chance to break the Wanderers Queens. Unfortunately, Shira Dimba’s header in the 21st minute went wide as the forward missed the chance to reopen her account for Bullets after rejoining us on loan from Red Lioness.
In the 26th minute, Esmie Chisale had a golden opportunity to score for the hosts, but her effort went straight into the palms of our goalkeeper Bridget Malemia.
Three minutes later, Asimenye Mwanyongo’s ingenious pass to Sani set up Dimba, who was unlucky to see her strike expertly saved by the home side’s ‘keeper in the 29th minute.
Bullets continued knocking, and two minutes after the half-hour mark, Mwanyongo’s cross into the six-yard area went begging for a red finisher but there was none, while Sani’s 37th-minute effort was thwarted by Angela Zimbiri.
Maggie Chombo made a tactical change in the 42nd minute, introducing Vanessa Issa for Wongani Mnenula.
As the opening half drew close, Zainab Kapanda had an opening to find the back of the net only to see her shot sailing over the bar, leaving the scoreline level at halftime.
The second half unfolded at breakneck pace, both teams vying for supremacy. Bullets’ defence held firm against the Nomads’ relentless attacks.
In the 51st minute, Sharon Dzimau’s free-kick was cleared by Cella Gama, while Dimba’s 60th-minute set piece was saved.
Wanderers’ pressure intensified, but offside flags foiled their advances. The hosts made their first substitution in the 63rd minute as Trivia Banda was introduced for Annie Kalirangwe.
Despite the rain drizzles at Chilomoni Stadium mid the final period, our ladies’ side began to assert dominance, controlling the game’s tempo in our pursuit of a goal that would see us maintain our winning streak.
Finally, the pressure paid off, as Dzimau shattered the deadlock in the 69th minute through a sublime free kick to put Bullets in the lead.
Three minutes later, we extended the lead with a brilliant shot from Sani to beat Zimbiri into the bottom left corner.
Chiwere registered her name on the score sheet when she sealed the 3-0 victory, connecting Mwanyongo’s corner kick in the 84th minute.
Moments later, Chombo made final substitutions, introducing Ioulia Yiannakis and Asiyatu George to replace Mwanyongo and Dimba.
After 90 minutes, Bullets Women sealed a resounding 3-0 to complete a double over Mighty Wanderers Queens this season following another 3-0 triumph in September.
What it means
Following the victory against Mighty Wanderers Queens, Bullets Women have extended their unbeaten run to 15 games this season, winning 14 and registering one draw.
Chombo’s side has opened a three-point gap against second-placed Kukoma Ntopwa Women in the same number of games.
Chombo’s post-match reaction
“It was a tough game. We knew Wanderers Queens were a good side, and we didn’t underestimate them. Today’s 3-0 win showcases our team’s resilience, flair, and teamwork. Solid defence, clinical finishing, and tactical substitutions made the difference. We’ll keep pushing boundaries and achieving greatness.”
