Mary Chavinda came off the bench to score the winner as Bullets Women returned to winning ways with a 1-0 victory over Kukoma Ntopwa Ladies.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women bounced back from their first league defeat with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Kukoma Ntopwa Ladies at Mpira Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
Introduced in the 34th minute after an injury to Triza Chiwere, Mary Chavinda struck from a free-kick in the 65th minute to secure all three points before earning the Player of the Match award.
The result marked a return to winning ways for Maggie Chombo’s side following last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Ascent Academy in the NBM Women’s Premiership.
Ntopwa Apply Early Pressure
The hosts started on the front foot, pressing forward in search of an early breakthrough as Bullets looked to settle into the contest.
Ntopwa enjoyed spells of possession in midfield and threatened to create openings, but goalkeeper Bridget Malemia remained alert as the visitors dealt with the early pressure.
Bullets struggled to retain possession in the middle of the park, limiting their ability to turn promising attacking moves into clear opportunities.
Neither side could establish control as the opening half remained closely contested.
Chavinda Enters the Contest
Chombo was forced into an early change in the 34th minute when Chiwere sustained an injury, with Chavinda coming on in her place.
The substitute added a fresh attacking option as Bullets looked to gain a foothold in the game.
Both teams continued searching for openings, but neither could find a breakthrough before the interval.
The sides went into the break goalless.
Bullets Step Up the Pressure
Bullets made another change at the start of the second half, introducing Ireen Mbesa for the injured Ulemu Daiti, while Ntopwa also adjusted their lineup.
Chavinda became increasingly involved in the attacking third, creating opportunities and delivering dangerous balls into the area.
In the 53rd minute, Bernadetta Mkandawire came close to breaking the deadlock when she met Chavinda’s corner, but her header went wide.
Bullets continued pushing forward, looking for the breakthrough that would separate the two sides.
Chavinda Settles the Contest
The decisive moment arrived in the 65th minute after Grace Yotamu was fouled, earning Bullets a free-kick in a promising position.
Chavinda stepped up and fired home to put The People’s Team ahead.
Ntopwa responded by pushing forward in search of an equaliser, but Bullets remained organised defensively, with Malemia alert whenever the hosts threatened.
Chombo’s side protected their slender advantage through the closing stages to secure a fourth victory in five league matches.
Chavinda’s match-winning contribution earned her the Player of the Match award after an influential performance from the bench.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women XI
16 Bridget Malemia; 3 Lyna James, 15 Sharon Dzimau, 4 Ulemu Daiti (13 Ireen Mbesa 46’), 2 Efa Msukwa, 22 Bernadetta Mkandawire, 25 Grace Yotamu, 20 Fauzah Muhammad, 23 Swema John, 5 Triza Chiwere (10 Mary Chavinda 34’), 27 Leah Musa.
Substitutes Not Used
1 Sphiwe Mkwalura, 6 Chimwemwe Sapangwa, 8 Carol Mulenzo, 12 Alinafe Kalipinde, 18 Tadala James, 19 Florida Safilodi.
Kukoma Ntopwa Ladies XI
16 Emily Nkhwazi; 17 Saliva January, 2 Joyce Makweya, 5 Ennie Botha, 9 Shabel Bengo, 10 Alice Braz, 11 Kondawo Banda, 13 Olivia Phikani, 20 Funny Magombo, 21 Rose Alufandika, 23 Mary Chautsi.
Substitutes
1 Tiwonge Mateyu, 3 Colater Banda, 4 Daina Banda, 6 Kettie Topsy, 7 Loney Makalani, 8 Takondwa Gambuleni, 12 Lydia Nchochoma, 19 Mary Chindeya, 27 Priscilla Mtambalika.
Match Statistics
Goal: Mary Chavinda 65’ (Bullets).
Player of the Match: Mary Chavinda (Bullets).
Match Details
Fixture: Kukoma Ntopwa Ladies vs FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women
Competition: NBM Women’s Premiership
Date: 25 October 2026
Venue: Mpira Stadium, Blantyre
Result: Kukoma Ntopwa Ladies 0-1 Bullets Women.
