Second-placed Baka City kept their promotion hopes alive with a convincing 5–2 victory over Chintheche United on Saturday at Karonga Stadium, narrowing the gap behind NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) leaders Red Lions to six points.
Baka, who are seeking a swift return to the TNM Super League after their 2024 relegation, have now amassed 26 points, awaiting Sunday’s fixture where Red Lions travel to Blantyre to face Ndirande Stars at Mpira Stadium.
The home side started brightly, opening the scoring in the 12th minute through Amon Mwakitalu, who doubled the advantage in the 23rd minute after Mwiza Chiona had made it 2–0 in the 17th.
Chintheche United pulled one back a minute into the second half via Aubren Nkhumbula’s free kick, but Baka restored their dominance when Hastings Ndau made it 4–1 in the 50th minute.
Despite Thoko Kamanga reducing the arrears in the 81st minute, Mwakitalu completed his hat-trick in the 89th minute to seal a commanding 5–2 win and earn the Man of the Match accolade.
At Civo Stadium, Mitundu Baptist’s in-form striker and league top scorer Raheem Mtondera was once again the difference, netting from the penalty spot in the 21st minute to give his side the lead over FOMO FC.
Charles Mbewe extended the advantage in the 41st minute with a thunderous strike from outside the box, giving Mitundu a 2–0 halftime cushion.
In the second half, FOMO found a lifeline through substitute Rashid Chilomo, who converted from Shadreck Mikundi’s assist in the 71st minute. Despite a late surge, FOMO couldn’t find an equalizer, as Mitundu Baptist held on for a 2–1 win, moving up to 25 points.
At Chitipa Stadium, Chilumba Barracks climbed out of the relegation zone into 8th place after a 2–1 victory over bottom-placed Jenda United, moving to 19 points.
Chisomo Kampango opened the scoring in the 5th minute, followed by Hassan Upindi’s strike in the 10th minute, while Wyson Nyirenda netted Jenda’s consolation in the 60th minute.
Meanwhile, at Mchinji Ground, Namitete Zitha edged Bangwe All Stars 1–0 courtesy of Francis Nyirenda’s 19th-minute strike. The result lifted Namitete to 5th position with 23 points, and Nyirenda was named Man of the Match.
