The NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) heads into a decisive final Match Week on Sunday, with the relegation battle set to go down to the wire as Chintheche United, Ntaja United and Mchinji Villa fight for survival.
Chintheche United, who sit 9th on the log table with 25 points, host 4th-placed FOMO FC at Rumphi Stadium, knowing that victory could secure their safety depending on results elsewhere. Eighth-placed Ntaja United, on 26 points, face relegated Chilumba Barracks away at Karonga Stadium and cannot afford to drop points, as even a draw could prove costly should Chintheche win.
Already relegated are Jenda United, who finish the season with five points from one win and two draws, alongside Chilumba Barracks. Both sides will return to the Northern Region Football League.
Elsewhere, runners-up Baka City travel to Balaka Stadium to face champions Red Lions in a clash of promoted sides. Baka, who have 39 points, are battling to finish second and are separated by just one point from Mitundu Baptist, who sit third and host 10th-placed Mchinji Villa at Malili Ground in Lilongwe.
Mchinji Villa, on 24 points, also remain in danger but could escape relegation with a win if Chintheche fail to collect maximum points. This scenario would further complicate matters for Ntaja United, who would be relegated if they lose and both Mchinji Villa and Chintheche pick up victories.
In the mid-table contest, sixth-placed Ndirande Stars, on 29 points, face fifth-placed Namitete Zitha at Kamuzu Stadium. Ndirande need a win to fend off seventh-placed Bangwe All Stars, who are just one point behind and host relegated Jenda United at Kasungu Stadium.
Namitete Zitha are assured of finishing fifth regardless of the outcome, while Bangwe All Stars could climb to sixth with a win, provided Ndirande Stars fail to secure all three points.
The final Match Week promises high drama, with promotion places already settled and relegation still hanging in the balance.
