FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women opened the second round of the NBM Women’s Premiership with a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Kukoma Ntopwa Women in a tense Blantyre derby at Mpira Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result marks an improved defensive showing for the Maule Ladies compared to the first-round meeting — a 1-0 defeat at the same venue — but chances were rare at both ends as neither side managed to find the breakthrough.
First Half Action
Ntopwa started strongly, creating the first real threat five minutes in when Sarah Mulimbika struck a free kick over the bar from just outside the box.
Bullets responded with composed possession, but the hosts looked dangerous in transition. In the 10th minute, a quick attack down the left forced Bernadetta Mkandawire into a timely clearance.
At 15 minutes, Ioulia Yiannakis delivered a teasing free kick that earned Bullets a corner, which Ntopwa defended well. Both sides continued to battle for control, limiting each other’s space in midfield.
Ntopwa carved out two half-chances around the 25-minute mark, but neither attempt was on target. That momentum continued in the 28th minute when another delivery from Mulimbika flashed across the area with no one to apply the finishing touch.
Bullets threatened in the 36th minute when Yiannakis’ free kick found Effa Msukwa, but her header drifted wide. The hosts immediately responded with another effort off target at the opposite end.
As half-time approached, Ntopwa pushed harder, with Mkandawire producing several crucial blocks — including two key interventions in the 45th minute to keep the score level.
Bullets nearly stole the opener in added time when Leah Mussa released Vanessa Issa, who beat the goalkeeper but saw her effort drift wide as the offside flag went up.
The tense first half ended 0-0.
Second Half Action
The hosts resumed aggressively. Two minutes into the half, Kondawo Banda fired a shot from the edge of the box, forcing Thoko Mwase into a brilliant far-post save.
The tempo remained high, though neither team settled comfortably in midfield. Ntopwa tested Mwase again in the 56th minute before play was halted for an offside call, with the Bullets goalkeeper briefly receiving medical attention.
Bullets began to grow into the contest. In the 59th minute, Mussa spotted Chimwemwe Sapangwa and Sharon Dzimau making promising runs, but the final touch lacked the power to trouble goalkeeper Mercy Sikelo.
Yiannakis nearly delivered a moment of brilliance in the 65th minute, rattling the post with a powerful free kick from 30 yards out. Sikelo reacted quickly to the loose ball before the referee awarded a foul for contact on the keeper. Ntopwa responded with a long-range effort that flew wide.
As the match progressed, Bullets showed more attacking intent, pushing Ntopwa deeper into their own half. However, the hosts remained dangerous on counters.
The save of the afternoon came in the 76th minute when Mwase produced a stunning left-leg reflex stop to deny Ntopwa in a one-on-one situation.
Bullets introduced Carol Mlenzo for Mussa late in the game, and Yiannakis tested Sikelo again in the 88th minute with a low effort that was comfortably gathered.
What It Means
The draw sees Bullets Women pick up a valuable point in their first second-round fixture, maintaining their push in the upper half of the table.
Although both sides created moments of danger, neither managed to find the decisive touch — a reflection of the tightness and intensity typical of this Blantyre rivalry.
What’s Next
Bullets Women will return to training this week as they prepare for their next second-round assignment in the NBM Women’s Premiership.
