Headline fixtures for Match Week 19 of the NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) on Sunday involve leaders Red Lions and runners-up Baka City, both facing opponents capable of disrupting their title push.
The two sides are separated by five points on the log table with four games remaining in the season. Red Lions have 40 points while Baka City trail with 35, meaning the leaders cannot afford any slip-ups after being held to a goalless draw by FOMO FC at Mulanje Park last week.
This time Red Lions are at home at Balaka Stadium where they host unpredictable Bangwe All Stars. Bangwe are currently in 6th place with 25 points and remain focused on securing at least a third-place finish.
Baka City, who beat Namitete Zitha 2-0 last Friday to cut the gap from seven points to five, travel to Lilongwe to face 3rd-placed Mitundu Baptist at Maliri Stadium. Mitundu share 29 points with Namitete Zitha and remain firmly in the hunt for a top-three finish.
Mitundu will be a difficult opponent, especially with the league’s top scorer Raheem Mtondera leading their charge as they look to stay ahead of Namitete Zitha, who play relegated Jenda United.
Jenda have struggled throughout the campaign, collecting just 5 points from one win and two draws. Already relegated from the NDL, they will be playing only for pride when they visit Mchinji Community Ground on Saturday.
At 5th place with 26 points, Ndirande Stars also have a prospect of breaking into the top three as they face relegation-threatened Chintheche United at Mpira Stadium. Chintheche have far more at stake than pride as they continue their fight for survival.
On 8th place with 23 points, Ntaja United sit precariously above the relegation zone and will be at home at Balaka Stadium on Saturday to host 7th-placed FOMO FC, who have 24 points.
Mchinji Villa, who are 10th with 19 points, host Chilumba Barracks on 9th place with 20 points at Mchinji Community Ground on Sunday in a fixture between two relegation-threatened sides.
Mchinji Villa missed an opportunity to move out of danger last Monday when they drew 1-1 with Chintheche United, as the NBS Bank NDL continues to grow more intriguing in the final rounds of the season.
