Red Lions have been crowned champions of the inaugural NBS Bank National Division League despite suffering a 3–2 defeat to Chintheche United on Saturday afternoon, after closest challengers Baka City were held to a 1–1 draw by Mchinji Villa, a result that mathematically sealed the title for the Lions
Red Lions, who had already secured automatic promotion back to the TNM Super League last week, remain on 43 points with two matches still to play. Baka City, who were relegated from the Super League last season, have 36 points and can only reach a maximum of 42 even if they win their remaining fixtures, leaving the title out of reach.
In Mzuzu, Red Lions started strongly and took the lead in the 18th minute when Mphatso Magaleta headed in a well-delivered cross. The forward doubled his tally three minutes later after connecting with an assist from Kaliwo Harawa.
Chintheche United responded in the 27th minute after Red Lions goalkeeper Jacob Kaunda spilled a shot from Robin Chioko, allowing the hosts to pull one back and go into the break trailing 2-1.
Two minutes after the restart, Chintheche levelled the scores through Chikondi Banda following a lapse in the Red Lions defence. Banda went on to complete his brace in the 66th minute to secure a dramatic comeback victory for Chintheche.
At Karonga Stadium, Baka City took a first-half lead deep into stoppage time when Mchinji Villa defender Austin Shaba turned the ball into his own net. Mchinji Villa equalised in the 74th minute through Phillimon Ndhlovu, who converted from the penalty spot.
The draw leaves Mchinji Villa in the relegation zone in 10th place with 23 points, while Chintheche United moved up to eighth with 25 points.
Elsewhere, Bangwe All Stars defeated Ntaja United 2-0, with Dyson Moffat opening the scoring in the 14th minute after an assist from Selemani Mussah before adding a second in the 30th minute. Bangwe climbed to sixth place with 28 points, while Ntaja remain ninth on 23 points.
FOMO FC sit fifth on 39 points after defeating already-relegated Jenda United, with Rashid Chilomo scoring both goals in the victory.
