17-Year-Old Substitute Ioulia Yiannakis Scores Spectacular Late Free Kick in Blantyre Women's Derby
In a thrilling turn of events, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women's team secured a 1-0 victory over Mighty Wanderers Queens in the first-ever Blantyre women's derby of the 2025 NBM Women's Premiership. The game-changing moment came in the 88th minute when 17-year-old substitute Ioulia Yiannakis curled a stunning free kick into the top corner, leaving the Wanderers goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The young attacker, who came off the bench to produce the game's defining moment, showcased composure and technique that left the crowd at Mpira Stadium in awe. Yiannakis' sensational effort not only handed Bullets a hard-fought win but also underlined the team's growing confidence as they continue to climb the table.
Reflecting on her heroics, Yiannakis expressed her pride at making a decisive contribution to the team's victory. "It feels very good. I'm really happy to have contributed to the team's win and to help us climb higher in the table. It means a lot, and I'm very happy," she told Bullets Media.
Bullets' captain, Zainab Kapanda, won the free kick that led to the winning goal, with the team now sitting third on 13 points in the league standings. Looking ahead, Yiannakis believes the team must keep the momentum going and focus on their next game against unbeaten leaders Silver Strikers Ladies.
"We just have to keep pushing, motivate each other, and hopefully win the next game," she said. The Maule Ladies will look to carry their derby momentum into Wednesday's showdown at Mpira Stadium.
As the significance of the Blantyre women's derby continues to resonate within the local soccer community, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women's team can be proud of their impressive performance and the impact it will have on their season.
For Yiannakis, the experience was a memorable one. "It was a great feeling to score, and I think as a team we played very well. It feels really good; it means a lot," she added.
The Maule Ladies' impressive run in the league so far includes four wins in seven matches, with their next challenge coming against the unbeaten leaders Silver Strikers Ladies. Will Yiannakis and her teammates continue to rise to the occasion? Stay tuned to find out.
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Summary: In the first-ever Blantyre women's derby in the 2025 NBM Women's Premiership, FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women defeated Mighty Wanderers Queens with a late free kick goal from 17-year-old substitute Ioulia Yiannakis. Yiannakis curled a sensational effort into the top corner after captain Zainab Kapanda won a free kick, leaving the Wanderers goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Her calmness under pressure and technique impressed, especially in a heated derby atmosphere. Yiannakis said she was proud to have made a decisive contribution to the team's win and climbing higher in the table. She credited her teammates for their strong collective display and emphasized the importance of keeping the momentum going. With four wins in seven matches, Big Bullets Ladies sit third on 13 points and will look to carry their derby momentum into their next game against unbeaten leaders Silver Strikers Ladies on Wednesday.
