FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women registered their first win of the 2025 NBM Women’s Premiership campaign with a dominant 3-0 victory over MK Academy at Kamuzu Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
A brace from the electric Vanessa Issa and a goal from Mary Chavinda powered Maule Ladies to all three points as they bounced back from last weekend’s opening day 1-0 defeat to Kukoma Ntopwa Women.
First-Half Dominance
Right from kickoff, Bullets signaled their intent. Within five minutes, captain Zainab Kapanda came close with a near miss before Chavinda slipped a brilliant pass to Issa, who slotted home the team’s first goal of the season.
Chavinda almost doubled the lead in the 18th minute with a low drive that went just wide. The visitors then had a golden opportunity to level in the 24th minute, but goalkeeper Thoko Mwase made a stunning one-on-one save.
Moments later, Bullets extended the lead. Kapanda’s powerful shot was parried into the path of Chavinda, who tapped in the rebound to make it 2-0.
The Maule Ladies kept their foot on the pedal, with Kapanda and Pilirani Mapira constantly threatening down the flanks, but MK Academy did well to hold off further goals before the break.
Second Half: Issa Completes Her Brace
The second half resumed with the same intensity. In the 51st minute, Chavinda hit the post as Bullets pushed for a third.
As the hosts made changes to maintain tempo, the final goal came in the 90th minute. Caroline Mlezo delivered a delightful cross, and Issa rose highest to head home her second and Bullets’ third of the afternoon.
Substitute Ioulia Yiannakis nearly added a fourth deep into stoppage time, striking the crossbar with a thunderous effort.
Player of the Match
Kapanda was instrumental from start to finish. The captain’s passing, vision, and relentless attacking pressure earned her the Player of the Match award after a standout performance.
Coach Maggie’s Reaction
Speaking after the win, head coach Maggie Chombo was full of praise for her team’s response.
“Credit should go to the players for their response. I believe the defeat in our opening match really hurt them and today, they showed the hunger to bounce back.”
Chombo highlighted areas for improvement:
“We created plenty of chances, but our finishing let us down at times. The coordination between the two strikers wasn’t as sharp as we’d like. But it’s a process—we are learning with each match. We’ll go back to the training ground and focus on polishing our finishing and improving attacking coordination. The potential is there, and I’m confident we’ll only get better from here.”
What It Means
The victory lifts Bullets Women off the mark in the 2025 NBM Women’s Premiership campaign as they move fourth in the standings.
