Controversial Offside Call Sinks FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women in 3-1 Defeat to Ascent Soccer Academy
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women's football team suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss against Ascent Soccer Academy in their fifth match of the 2025 NBM Women's Premiership in Lilongwe. The defeat was a setback for Bullets, who had hoped to climb into the top four with a win.
The hosts took an early lead through Mayamiko Mkandawire's header in the 7th minute, but Bullets equalized three minutes later through Lyna James' header from a corner. The first half saw Bullets face challenges, with goalkeeper Thokozani Mwase making crucial saves and Bernadetta Mkandawire heading away dangerous corners.
The game became controversial in the 39th minute when Ascent scored the second goal after the assistant referee raised his flag for offside, only for it to be dropped, leaving Bullets' defence momentarily stopped. The hosts took advantage of the lapse to regain the lead.
Despite a bold triple substitution at halftime by head coach Maggie Chombo, introducing Vanessa Issa, Matamando Makawa, and Caroline Mlezo for Chiwere, Yiannakis, and new recruit Monalisa Mhango, Bullets were unable to turn the game around. Ascent extended their lead in the 53rd minute, and Bullets lost another player, Chavinda, to injury.
Bullets continued to press for an equalizer but were unable to break down Ascent's defence. The hosts tested Bullets again with corners in the 77th and 85th minutes, but Bullets' defence held firm.
The defeat means Bullets miss the chance to climb into the top four, while Ascent move closer to the leaders with an important victory. Bullets remain in sixth position with seven points from five games, while Ascent move into second place.
Key players for both teams, such as Mkandawire and James for Bullets and Chimbeta for Ascent, showed their class throughout the match. The importance of focus and discipline in football, especially in crucial moments of the game, was evident in the outcome.
Injuries also played a significant role in the game. Kapanda's early substitution due to injury disrupted Bullets' rhythm, while Chavinda's injury in the second half further weakened their lineup.
Refereeing decisions also had a significant impact on the outcome of the match. The controversial offside call in the 39th minute proved to be a turning point, leaving Bullets defence momentarily stopped and allowing Ascent to regain the lead.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women will look to bounce back in their next match against MDF Lioness, while Ascent face Kukoma Ntopwa Women. Stay tuned for more updates from the 2025 NBM Women's Premiership.
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Summary: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women's football team suffered a 3-1 loss against Ascent Soccer Academy in their fifth match of the 2025 NBM Women's Premiership in Lilongwe. Bullets had hoped to climb into the top four with a win, but the defeat means they remain in sixth place with seven points from five games. Ascent, on the other hand, strengthened their campaign with an important home victory and moved into second place in the standings. The match was marked by controversial moments, including a disputed offside call that led to Ascent's second goal and a late substitution for Bullets' captain Zainab Kapanda due to injury. Despite a bold triple substitution at the restart, Bullets were unable to turn the game around and fell behind by three goals. The loss means Bullets miss the chance to climb into the top four, while Ascent move closer to the leaders with an important victory.
