Defending champions Nyasa Big Bullets Women’s, former national champions DD Sunshine, new entrants Destiny Academy, CY Sisters and Topic Academy have been drawn together in the ‘Group of Death’ for FAM Women’s National Championship.

The five teams are housed in Group A following the draw conducted on Sunday, 26 February 2013 at the Ascent Ground in Lilongwe.

Central Region Champions Ascent Academy have been drawn in Group B alongside Ntopwa, Evirom, Moyale and Civil Service United.

Civil were the tenth team to be included in the National Champions after emerging winners in the playoffs that involved fourth placed teams from the regional leagues. They defeated northern region’s Ekwendeni Sisters 4-1 before beating southern region’s Attu Bullets 10-0.

National Women’s Football Association Chairperson Suzgo Ngwira said the association is expecting a highly competitive championship.

“Looking at how the groups have come out after the draw, this year’s competition seems to be an exciting and competitive one. We have seen more strong teams being drawn in Group A which obviously will be tough one but at the same time competitive because every team will be looking for the top two spots to make it to the knockout.

“We urge the teams and players to work hard as this is their opportunity to be noticed by the national team coaches,” said Ngwira.

The teams will play against each in a single round robin format and top two teams from each group will qualify for Semifinals.

Below is the full draw:

Group A

CY Sisters, DD Sunshine , Nyasa Big Bullets Women,Destiny Academy,Topik

Group B

Evirom,Civil Service United Women,Moyale Barracks,Ascent Academy and Ntopwa

Semifinals

1. Winner group A vs Runner up Group B

2. Winner Group B vs Runner up Group A