On Sunday 7 September 2025, Green Buffaloes Women FC hosted ZESCO NDOLA GIRLS at Reiz Stadium in a keenly contested league encounter that kicked off at 11:00am. The home side secured a narrow 1-0 victory in front of 3,400 spectators, with the decisive goal coming late in the second half. Referee Theresa oversaw the 90 minutes plus added time with a commendable performance.
Green Buffaloes Women FC lined up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, deploying a balanced setup designed to control midfield and exploit the flanks. Ngambo Musole guarded the goal, supported by a back four consisting of Diana Banda at right back, Memory Nthala and Esther Banda as central defenders, and Martha Banda on the left. The midfield trio featured Maweta Chilenga on the right, Joana Benaya centrally, and Natasha Nanyangwe on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and creative support. Up front, the attacking trio comprised Beatrice Fwamba on the right wing, Namute Chileshe leading the line as striker, and Agness Phiri on the left wing. The substitutes bench included Evarine Katongo, who was available for tactical changes.
The match began with both sides probing cautiously, but it was Green Buffaloes who made the first significant tactical adjustment. At the 35th minute mark, Namute Chileshe was withdrawn and replaced by Evarine Katongo in a tactical substitution aimed at injecting fresh impetus into the attack. This change immediately influenced the dynamics of the game.
Just a minute after the substitution, Beatrice Fwamba attempted a shot on goal, but her effort sailed high over the crossbar, missing a chance to break the deadlock. As the first half drew to a close, Agness Phiri tested the opposition goalkeeper with a shot that was well saved, denying Green Buffaloes a late opening goal before the interval.
The teams went into the break level at 0-0, with both defences holding firm. Early in the second half, Green Buffaloes’ goalkeeper Ngambo Musole produced a crucial point-blank reaction save in the 57th minute, keeping her side in the game and maintaining the clean sheet. This moment proved vital in a tightly fought contest.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 88th minute when Agness Phiri capitalised on a set piece opportunity. Receiving a short pass from substitute Evarine Katongo, Phiri unleashed a powerful long-range strike with her right foot that found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into raptures. This goal proved to be the match-winner and was a testament to the tactical astuteness of the Green Buffaloes’ coaching staff.
Throughout the match, Esther Banda stood out with commanding performances at the heart of defence, earning her the player of the match accolade. Her composure and timely interventions were instrumental in keeping ZESCO NDOLA GIRLS at bay.
Green Buffaloes Women FC’s victory at Reiz Stadium was a hard-fought and well-deserved triumph, showcasing their tactical flexibility and resilience. The narrow 1-0 scoreline reflects the competitive nature of the fixture, but the home side’s ability to seize their moment late on ensured all three points were secured.
