Civil Service Women claimed local bragging rights in the Lilongwe derby after defeating champions Silver Strikers Ladies 2–0 at Civo Stadium on Saturday afternoon, handing the Bankers their second defeat of the NBM Women’s Premiership season.
Silver Ladies, who were crowned champions last week with three matches to spare, fielded a strong starting XI that included leading scorer Deborah Henry, but struggled to impose themselves against an organised and energetic Civil Service side.
The breakthrough came in the 44th minute when Emily Samuel capitalised on poor communication in the Silver Ladies’ penalty area to give the hosts a deserved lead at the break.
Civil Service continued to press after halftime, with Anna Bazilio, Vitumbiko Mkandawire and Jessie Josefe driving the tempo through quick combinations and intelligent movement. Their dominance paid off in the 71st minute when Vitumbiko Mkandawire doubled the lead, finishing off a well-worked move assisted by Alinafe Mpira. Vitumbiko’s commanding display earned her the Player of the Match award.
The victory lifts Civil Service Women from seventh to sixth place on 25 points, level with MDF Lionesses, who suffered a 3–0 defeat to runners-up Ascent Soccer in another Lilongwe derby at Champions Stadium.
Ascent opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Fatima Lali after the Lionesses’ defence failed to clear following an initial save by the goalkeeper. The visitors extended their advantage just before halftime when Mayamiko Mkandawire headed home from a well-delivered corner by Talandira Chinyamvula.
Mkandawire completed her brace in the 63rd minute, finishing off an excellent delivery from Lali. Despite the loss, MDF Lionesses remain fourth on 25 points, while Ascent strengthened their grip on second place with 35 points.
FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women consolidated third position after edging rivals Mighty Wanderers Queens 1–0 in a Blantyre derby at Mpira Stadium. Triza Chiwere scored the decisive goal in the 58th minute to move the Bullets to 31 points, four behind Ascent.
With two matches remaining, Ascent Soccer need just one win to secure the runners-up spot.
Elsewhere, Kukoma Ntopwa Women climbed to fourth place on 27 points following a convincing 4–0 win over relegated Moyale Sisters in a morning fixture at Mpira Stadium. Takondwa Gambuleni opened the scoring in the third minute after an assist from Kondawo Banda. Mary Chindeya added the second in the 75th minute before Banda struck twice late on, including a stoppage-time effort, to take her season tally to nine goals.
In Mzuzu, relegated Topik Academy recorded their first win of the season with a 2–1 victory over fellow strugglers MK Academy in the local derby at Luwinga. The result moves Topik to six points.
Topik took the lead in the 30th minute when Christina Chirwa finished off a rebound after Cecilia Nzima’s effort struck the woodwork. Nzima doubled the advantage two minutes later with a powerful strike before Ester pulled one back for MK Academy in the 78th minute.
