The NBS Bank National Division League title race remains tight heading into Matchweek Seven, with leaders Songwe Border United sitting on 13 points, just one ahead of second-placed Extreme FC and two ahead of third-placed Ndirande Stars.
Matchweek Six proved difficult for Northern Region sides as all of them lost their matches. Mzuzu City Hammers fell 3-0 to Chilobwe United, Songwe Border United lost 1-0 to Ndirande Stars, while Embangweni United went down 2-1 to second-placed Extreme FC.
With five matches left before the end of the first round, the race for the title and the three promotion places into the FDH Bank Premiership remains wide open.
At the bottom, the battle to avoid relegation is also tight, with bottom-placed Bangwe All Stars on two points, just five behind Namitete Zitha and Mzuzu City Hammers, who are both on seven points. Changalume Barracks are 11th with three points, while Mighty Tigers are 10th with six points.
Meanwhile, Chilobwe United moved up to sixth place after beating Mzuzu City Hammers 3-0 in their midweek fixture on Wednesday, 1 July.
Chilobwe took the lead in the 35th minute through Sylvester Phiri Saizi following a defensive mistake by Mzuzu City Hammers. They doubled the lead in the 83rd minute through Samuel Zakeyu, who was assisted by Phiri Saizi.
Madalitso Haji sealed the win in added time, scoring in the 90+4th minute from a Fatsani Juwayo assist to complete a perfect afternoon for Chilobwe.
Chilobwe will now travel to Karonga Stadium to face leaders Songwe Border United in Matchweek Seven on Sunday.
Runners-up Extreme FC will be at home at Owen Malijani Stadium, where they will host bottom-placed Bangwe All Stars on Sunday.
Ndirande Stars are in action today as they face fourth-placed Embangweni United at Mzuzu Stadium, while Namitete Zitha take on Changalume Barracks at Zomba Stadium in a match involving teams fighting to move away from the relegation zone.
On Sunday, Ntaja United will host FOMO FC at Balaka Stadium in another important fixture in the middle pack. FOMO, who are based in Mulanje, are the only unbeaten side in the National Division League going into Matchweek Seven.
Mzuzu City Hammers will host Mighty Tigers at Rumphi Stadium on Sunday, while Chilobwe United will face Songwe Border United at Karonga Stadium.
The middle pack also remains competitive, with Ntaja United, FOMO FC, Chilobwe United, Mzuzu City Hammers and Namitete Zitha all still within reach of the top positions.
Songwe Border United remain the best placed among the sides relegated from the top flight, while Mzuzu City Hammers and Mighty Tigers are still trying to recover their footing in the second tier.
With the first round approaching its final stretch, Matchweek Seven is expected to be another defining stage in the race for promotion, the title and survival.
