Kukoma Ntopwa Bullets in NBM Women’s Premiership openerNational Champions Kukoma Ntopwa Queens on Saturday afternoon sent a strong message of intent to continue their dominance when they beat rivals FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women in the National Bank of Malawi National Women’s Premiership at the Mpira Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Amaghetto kids scored the only goal of the match in the first half goal through Substitute Esther Chauluka who beat an offside trap three minutes after her introduction to record the first ever League goal in the League.
It was an entertaining match which saw a balanced first half while FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women dominated the second as they chased an equaliser.
The People’s Team began well in the first 10 minutes as they tasted Ntopwa’s defence but failed to penetrate before the Amaghetto kids settled into the game and counter attacks were their ideal solution into the game.
The hosts were forced to make an early change as Fauzah Muhammad got injured and was replaced by Racheal Matemba on 13th minute while Ntopwa made two changes as Mary Chandeya and Takondwa Gambuleni paved way for Kondawo Banda and Esther Chauluka on 40th minute.
Chauluka scored three minutes later to give Ntopwa the lead before half time.
Matemba was withdrawn for Vanessa Issa as Bullets Women came very strong in the second half looking for a goal but it was hard to unlock Ntopwa’s defence as attempts from Saini, Kapanda, Mary Chavinda and Asimenye Mwanyongo failed to trouble Mercy Sikelo.
After the game, Isaac Jomo Osman of Kukoma Ntopwa Queens was happy after recording the win and thanked the Bank plus Football Association of Malawi for introducing the League.
“It was not simple as Bullets is a good team, they have a good coach and good players but we used our tactics so that we get a win. Football is not about making passes by scoring goals.” Said Osman.
Meanwhile, Maggie Chombo Sadick of FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women conceded the defeat saying her team made one mistake which Ntopwa capitalised on it.
“When playing Ntopwa it is never easy, we slept in our defense and Ntopwa scored their goal, we have seen where we are lacking and all is not lost, we will fix everything and bounce back in our next matches.” Said Chombo-Sadick.
The result means Kukoma Ntopwa Queens lead the NBM National Women’s Premiership with three points from one game while FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women anchor the 10-team table with no points from one game ahead of Sunday’s games.
