FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women returned to winning ways with a solid 2-0 win over MK Academy at Mzuzu Stadium on Friday afternoon, capping off a strong northern outing in the NBM Women’s Premiership.
Assistant coach Charles Lubani led the team in Mzuzu, with head coach Maggie Chombo unavailable due to illness. It was also Sphiwe Mkwalura’s first appearance of the season, stepping in confidently between the posts for Bullets.
The victory pushes the Maule Ladies into third place with 18 points from 11 games, strengthening their push for a top-four finish as the second round gathers pace.
First Half Action
The hosts started with purpose, pressing high from the first whistle and pushing into Bullets’ box in search of an early opener.
Bullets responded quickly. In the 4th minute, Lyna James won a free kick and tested goalkeeper Elikina Nyasulu, whose safe handling kept the scores level.
MK Academy tried to build from their set plays, but Bullets managed the early pressure well before growing into the contest. In the 12th minute, Monalisa Mhango created a brilliant attacking moment, driving forward and unleashing a shot that Nyasulu did well to keep out.
A minute later, Maule Ladies found the breakthrough.
A neat build-up through midfield released Chimwemwe Sapangwa, who picked out Vanessa Issa with a well-weighted pass. The forward kept her composure and finished calmly past Nyasulu to hand Bullets a deserved lead in the 13th minute.
The home side, captained by Love Kaungo, tried to respond and almost benefited from a slip at the back in the 19th minute, but no MK player connected with the loose ball.
Bullets continued to create chances. Leah Mussa found Issa in the 24th minute with a clever ball, but the striker was just a step late to double the advantage. Later, Issa slipped a pass into Linda Nyangu, only for Nyasulu to intervene quickly.
MK Academy’s Dorica Mkandawire battled on despite picking up a knock, while both sides contested every ball in midfield. Bullets struck the woodwork when Monalisa hammered a powerful effort off the crossbar, before Sapangwa later drove a shot over the bar.
Towards the end of the half, Bullets continued to threaten from set pieces through Sharon Dzimau and James, but the hosts and their goalkeeper stood firm.
The visitors went into the break with a narrow but deserved advantage.
Second Half Action
Bullets returned from the interval looking to build on their lead, pushing forward early in search of a second goal.
The home side stayed competitive, but the visitors continued to win key duels in midfield, with Nyangu regularly drawing fouls and helping Bullets advance up the pitch.
In the 53rd minute, MK Academy’s Anittah Chisale was booked following a foul on Nyangu, underlining the growing pressure Bullets were exerting in central areas.
A key tactical change came in the 55th minute when Ioulia Yiannakis replaced Triza Chiwere, adding fresh legs and a new dimension to the Bullets attack. The substitute soon got involved from set pieces, forcing Nyasulu into more work as Bullets kept pinning the home side back.
MK Academy tried to respond through corners and free kicks, but the visiting defence, well-organised in front of goalkeeper Sphiwe Mkwalura, dealt with the danger.
Bullets’ persistence was rewarded midway through the half.
Leah Mussa played a superb pass into the path of Linda Nyangu, who showed great awareness and composure to lift the ball over the advancing Nyasulu, doubling Bullets’ lead in the 73rd minute to give the visitors breathing space.
From there, Maule Ladies controlled the tempo. Nyangu and Issa both had further chances to add a third, while MK Academy introduced Grace Nyirongo as they searched for a way back into the game.
In the 89th minute, Bullets made their final change as Swema John came on for Linda Nyangu, helping the team see out the match and protect their 2–0 lead.
Deep in stoppage time, Yiannakis sent a free kick straight into Nyasulu’s hands, and Issa saw a late chance slip away after a promising ball from James, but the job had already been done.
Moments later, referee Grace Mtambo blew for full-time, 2-0 with Bullets collecting two crucial points away in the North.
James, who dominated midfield throughout the afternoon and created the move that led to Bullets’ second goal, was deservedly named Player of the Match. Her composure, ball recovery, passing range and leadership were instrumental in Bullets controlling key phases of the game in Mzuzu.
What It Means
The win moves Bullets Women to third place on the log with 18 points from 11 matches.
Silver Strikers Ladies remain top of the table with 27 points, while Ascent Academy sit second with 23 points, with all other teams having played 10 matches.
It’s a crucial away win for the Maule Ladies, tightening their grip in the top four and restoring momentum in the second round.
What’s Next
Focus now temporarily shifts away from league action as the Malawi Scorchers prepare to begin camp for the upcoming Three Nations Women’s Tournament, scheduled for 28 November to 2 December in Lilongwe.
Bullets Women will resume their NBM Women’s Premiership campaign once FAM releases the updated fixture schedule.
