Ascent Soccer head into Matchweek 5 of the NBM Women’s Premiership as the only unbeaten team in the competition, having registered two wins and two draws in their opening four matches.

The Lilongwe-based side maintained their unbeaten run with an impressive 2-1 victory over FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women at Mpira Stadium on Sunday, taking their tally to eight points and maintaining fourth position on the standings.

Ascent will be looking to extend their impressive start when they host bottom-placed Chitoliro Heroines at Ascent Ground on Saturday, 24 October. Chitoliro, who are making their debut in the competition, have endured a difficult start, losing all four matches.

However, they will draw inspiration from fellow newcomers Rumphi Sisters, who registered their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over MDF Lionesses at Nankhaka Stadium on Mother’s Day. Ascent are just one point behind the leading trio of Civil Service Women, defending champions Silver Strikers Ladies and FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women, who are all tied on nine points but separated by goal difference.

Civil Service Women lead the standings with 13 goals scored and four conceded, followed by Silver Strikers Ladies, who have scored 10 and conceded five, while Bullets Women have eight goals scored and three conceded.

All three teams have suffered one defeat each, setting up an exciting battle for the top positions. League leaders Civil Service Women will be looking to maintain their position when they face sixth-placed FACT Ladies at Civo Stadium on Saturday.

Civil head into the encounter full of confidence after defeating defending champions Silver Strikers Ladies 3-2 in a thrilling Lilongwe derby last weekend.

FACT Ladies, who have six points, will also be hoping to build on their 3-1 victory over fellow newcomers Chitoliro Heroines on Mother’s Day. Meanwhile, Silver Strikers Ladies will be aiming to return to winning ways when they host Rumphi Sisters on Sunday.

The defending champions will be determined to recover from their defeat to Civil Service Women, but they face a Rumphi side that has gained confidence following its victory over MDF Lionesses.

Rumphi Sisters demonstrated their potential by overcoming an experienced MDF Lionesses side featuring national team players, including Asimenye Simwaka and goalkeeper Yamikani Kaonga. Sunday’s action will also feature a double-header at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, beginning with Mighty Wanderers Queens against MDF Lionesses at 12:00 noon.

Both teams have collected four points and will be desperate for maximum points to improve their positions on the standings.

Mighty Wanderers Queens dropped to seventh position following their 3-2 defeat to Kukoma Ntopwa Women last weekend.

Ntopwa, meanwhile, climbed to fifth position with six points and will be looking to maintain their momentum when they face third-placed FCB Nyasa Big Bullets Women in the second match of the double-header. Bullets Women will be aiming to bounce back from their first defeat of the season after losing 2-1 to Ascent Soccer in Matchweek 4.