FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women Secure Historic Derby Victory in NBM Women's Premiership
17-Year-Old Substitute Scores Brilliant Goal in 88th Minute
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women made history on Sunday afternoon by defeating Mighty Wanderers Queens 1-0 in the first-ever Blantyre women's derby of the 2025 NBM Women's Premiership. The tense and exciting contest lived up to its billing, offering fans end-to-end action and fierce midfield battles.The opening half ended in a stalemate, with both sides creating opportunities but unable to find the breakthrough. The game was finally decided in the 88th minute when captain Zainab Kapanda won a free kick just outside the box. With the weight of the derby on her shoulders, Kapanda made the wise decision to hand the ball to 17-year-old substitute Ioulia Yiannakis.
Displaying nerves of steel, Yiannakis stepped up to the ball and delivered a brilliant strike into the top corner, leaving the Wanderers goalkeeper rooted to the spot and sparking wild celebrations in the Bullets camp. The youngster's goal not only secured three vital points for her team but also set the stage for a thrilling midweek clash against league leaders Silver Strikers Ladies.
"I'm really proud of the girls' effort today. We didn't start as sharply as we wanted, but their commitment and hunger were outstanding," Bullets Women head coach Maggie Chombo said after the game. "It was a tough derby against quality opposition, but our substitutions made a real impact and helped us shift momentum our way."
Despite managing injuries, Chombo expressed confidence in her team's direction. "We are taking each game as it comes and continuing to develop our squad. This win boosts morale and gives us confidence heading into the next fixtures," she added.
The victory lifts Bullets Women to third place in the NBM Women's Premiership, just three points behind league leaders Silver Strikers Ladies. The Maule Ladies will now look to build on their derby triumph as they continue their push for top spot in the league.
The excitement of the Blantyre women's derby was not limited to FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women and Mighty Wanderers Queens. In the Lilongwe derby on the same Sunday afternoon, Silver Strikers Ladies maintained their perfect run with a 2-1 win over Civo Women.
As the NBM Women's Premiership heats up, Bullets Women will be looking to carry the momentum from their derby victory into their next fixture. With the talent and determination displayed in the first-ever Blantyre women's derby, fans can expect more exciting and tense matches in the days to come.
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Summary: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women defeated Mighty Wanderers Queens 1-0 in their first-ever Blantyre women's derby in the 2025 NBM Women's Premiership. The game was a close and intense contest, with both teams creating opportunities but unable to find the breakthrough until the 88th minute when captain Zainab Kapanda won a free kick and handed the ball to 17-year-old substitute Ioulia Yiannakis, who scored a brilliant goal into the top corner. The win lifts Bullets Women to third place with 13 points, setting up a midweek clash with league leaders Silver Strikers Ladies. Head coach Maggie Chombo praised her team's effort and mental strength, despite managing injuries.
