FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women Start NBM Premiership Campaign with 1-0 Defeat to Rivals Kukoma Ntopwa
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women's quest for the NBM Women's Premiership title began on a disappointing note as they suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to city rivals Kukoma Ntopwa Women at Mpira Stadium on Saturday afternoon. Despite a spirited second-half performance, The People's Team couldn't find the equaliser, leaving them searching for their first points of the season.
First Half: The Decisive Moment
The match began with promise for Bullets, who pressed forward early in search of a breakthrough. However, their efforts were thwarted when Fauzah Mohammed picked up an injury just 13 minutes into the game, forcing a tactical change that saw Racheal Matemba come on in her place. Both sides settled into the match cautiously, with Ntopwa nearly finding the opener midway through the first half. Bullets responded with intent as Zainab Kapanda tested Mercy Sikelo in the Ntopwa goal, but it was the visitors who struck first in the 41st minute.
Esther Chauluka, a substitute for Ntopwa, latched onto a clever through-ball from Alice Braz, beat her marker, and calmly slotted past Thoko Mwase to give Ntopwa a 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Second Half: Pressure Without Reward
Coach Maggie Chombo made a change at the start of the second half, introducing Vanessa Issa for Matemba. Bullets came out with renewed purpose and nearly found the equaliser just two minutes after the restart, as Kapanda fired narrowly wide. The hosts dominated possession, forcing three quick corner kicks, but Ntopwa's defence remained resolute.
Mary Chavinda, who returned to Bullets from Rayon Sports in Rwanda, had several opportunities to make an impact but was unable to find the back of the net. Bullets continued to push forward, with Pilirani Malora and Sharon Dzimau testing Mercy Sikelo from set pieces, but the visitors held on.
What It Means and What's Next
The loss means Bullets Women begin their NBM Women's Premiership campaign with a narrow defeat at home. Despite the setback, the team showed determination, character, and attacking intent, especially in the second half. Coach Maggie Chombo remains optimistic and is focused on improving in certain areas.
"In football, anything can happen. We have lost this game, but that's not the end. We will go back to training and work on improving in certain areas. Our main weakness today was during transitions when we had the ball, but we are building a good team, and I must praise the girls for showing great character—that is exactly what we want moving forward,"
Bullets Women will look to bounce back next weekend when they face MK Academy at Kamuzu Stadium in their second fixture of the 2025 NBM Women's Premiership.
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Summary: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women began their NBM Women’s Premiership campaign with a narrow 1-0 defeat to city rivals Kukoma Ntopwa Women at Mpira Stadium. Despite a spirited second-half performance, the hosts couldn't find the equaliser as the visitors held on to claim maximum points. Bullets dominated possession and created several scoring opportunities, but Ntopwa's resolute defence kept them at bay. The loss means Bullets begin their campaign with a defeat, but their coach Maggie Chombo remains optimistic, emphasizing the team's determination and character. Bullets will look to bounce back next weekend when they face MK Academy at Kamuzu Stadium in their second fixture of the season.
