Ioulia Yiannakis's Late Free Kick Gives FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women Dramatic Derby Victory
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women claimed city bragging rights in the NBM Women’s Premiership after a thrilling 1-0 victory over Mighty Wanderers Queens at Mpira Stadium. Ioulia Yiannakis's stunning late free kick decided the contest in a closely contested derby match.
First Half: Evenly Matched Encounter
The match began with both sides showing early intent in front of a lively crowd. Bullets came close to taking the lead in the 20th minute when Zainab Kapanda combined well with Mary Chavinda, but the captain’s effort was comfortably collected by Wanderers goalkeeper Esther Maulidi. Moments later, the hosts almost broke the deadlock as Fanula Umali headed narrowly over the bar from a dangerous cross.
Despite creating several half-chances, Bullets could not find a way through a compact Wanderers defence. Thokozani Mwase, meanwhile, stood firm in goal for the Maule Ladies, organising her backline and dealing confidently with aerial threats.
Second Half: Bullets Step Up the Pressure
Bullets Women started the second half with renewed determination, dominating possession and pushing forward in search of an opener. Sharon Dzimau’s early free kick flew just over the bar before Coach Maggie Chombo introduced Vanessa Issa for Mary Chavinda to inject more pace into the attack.
Issa almost made an immediate impact in the 62nd minute, connecting well with Kapanda’s pass, but her effort drifted inches wide of the post. Chikondi Mgodi later came close to scoring from a Dzimau corner, as Bullets maintained sustained pressure.
Game Changer: Ioulia Yiannakis's Brilliant Free Kick
The Maule Ladies continued to probe, and with less than 10 minutes remaining, Chombo made another inspired substitution, bringing on Ioulia Yiannakis for Chimwemwe Sapangwa to add creativity in the final third.
In the 88th minute, Bullets were awarded a free kick on the edge of the box. Yiannakis stepped up and curled a sensational strike over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Maulidi with no chance.
Bullets defended resolutely through the five minutes of added time, showing great composure and teamwork to protect their narrow lead until the final whistle.
Player of the Match: Ioulia Yiannakis
Coming off the bench to score a match-winning goal in a derby is the stuff of dreams — and Yiannakis delivered exactly that. Her technique and calmness under pressure earned her the Player of the Match award.
What It Means: Bullets Women in Third Place
The victory lifts Bullets Women to third place in the NBM Women’s Premiership standings with 13 points from seven matches, just three behind second-placed Ascent Soccer Academy. Silver Strikers Ladies remain top with a perfect record of 21 points from seven games, while Kukoma Ntopwa Women and Wanderers Queens complete the top five.
What’s Next: Bullets Face Silver Strikers Ladies
The Maule Ladies return to action on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, when they face league leaders Silver Strikers Ladies in a midweek NBM Women’s Premiership showdown at Mpira Stadium.
Will Bullets Women be able to repeat their derby victory against the league leaders? Stay tuned for the latest updates on the NBM Women’s Premiership.
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Summary: FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women defeated Mighty Wanderers Queens 1-0 in a thrilling derby match in the NBM Women’s Premiership, thanks to a stunning late free kick from Ioulia Yiannakis. The match was a closely contested affair, with both teams creating chances but unable to find the back of the net until Yiannakis's moment of brilliance in the 88th minute. The victory lifts Bullets Women to third place in the standings with 13 points, just three behind second-placed Ascent Soccer Academy. The Maule Ladies will face league leaders Silver Strikers Ladies on Wednesday in their next match.
