NBS Bank National Division League leading scorer Raheem Mtondera delivered a sensational performance on Sunday afternoon, netting five goals as Mitundu Baptist thrashed relegated Jenda United 6-0 to seal promotion to the TNM Super League in emphatic fashion.
Mitundu Baptist join Baka City and Red Lions in the elite league after the latter edged Chilumba Barracks 2-1 at Balaka Stadium, a result that condemned the military side to relegation into the Northern Region Football League.
Red Lions now sit top of the table on 46 points with one match remaining, seven clear of second-placed Baka City, who have 39 points.
Mitundu Baptist occupy third position on 38 points and will need to win their last match and hope Baka City fail to secure maximum points if they are to finish second.
At Mitundu, Mtondera wasted no time in asserting his dominance, opening the scoring in the fourth minute from the penalty spot to register his 22nd goal of the season. He then turned provider five minutes later, setting up Josophat Kwalira to make it 2-0.
The league’s top scorer went on to complete his brace in the 20th minute, sealed a hat-trick in the 54th, and added two more goals in the 67th to take his tally to an outstanding 24 goals for the season.
Mitundu will now look to finish the campaign strongly as they turn their focus to preparing for life back in the Super League.
At Balaka Stadium, Red Lions took the lead as early as the second minute through Kaliwo Harawa before Chilumba Barracks levelled matters in the 29th minute via Matorino Clement.
Eleven minutes into the second half, Red Lions were awarded a penalty after Calisto Kaliwo was fouled inside the box, and Zikhole Ngulube converted from the spot to secure the decisive goal and confirm Chilumba’s relegation.
Chilumba Barracks finish the season with four wins, eight draws and nine defeats, while Jenda United remain rooted at the bottom with just five points from one win and two draws.
Elsewhere, FOMO FC climbed from fifth to fourth place after a 2-0 victory over Bangwe All Stars at Mulanje Park. The former TNM Super League side opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Mike Banda, who capitalised on a well-delivered corner by Lucky Nyondo.
Prince Kajorevwa doubled the lead in the 67th minute as FOMO moved to 33 points, level with Namitete Zitha but ahead on goal difference.
Namitete Zitha slipped to fifth following a dramatic 2-2 draw with relegation-threatened Mchinji Villa. The hosts took the lead in the 20th minute through Jafali John, but Namitete equalised in the 32nd to make it 1-1 at halftime.
Mchinji Villa regained the advantage in the 81st minute when Davie Juwao converted a penalty after Jafali John was fouled in the box. However, Namitete salvaged a point deep into stoppage time through Alexander Cosmas.
In Friday’s action, Ntaja United edged Namitete Zitha 2-1 with goals from Kingsley Charles in the 43rd minute and Lloyd Chilenga from the penalty spot in the 77th. Namitete’s consolation came through Adams Longwe in the 49th minute.
Promotion places are now settled, while the relegation battle heads into the final round with Bangwe All Stars, Ntaja United, Chintheche United and Mchinji Villa still fighting to avoid the drop.
