Red Lions have strengthened their push for a return to the elite TNM Super League after opening a five-point lead at the summit of the NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) following a 2–0 win over third-placed Namitete Zitha on Sunday afternoon at Balaka Stadium.
The Lions now sit comfortably on 26 points, extending their advantage after second-placed Mitundu Baptist suffered a 3–0 defeat to Ndirande Stars at Mpira Stadium on Saturday. Mitundu remain on 21 points, while Bangwe All Stars climbed to third place on 20 points after a 2–0 victory over Chintheche United at the same venue.
Bangwe share 20 points with Namitete Zitha, who dropped to fourth on goal difference after their loss. Baka City, who drew 2–2 with Ntaja United on Saturday at Balaka Stadium, complete the top five with 19 points.
At Mulanje Park, FOMO FC were held to a 1–1 draw by Chilumba Barracks, with goals from Chimwemwe Kamowa (32’) and Noah Clement (45+1’) ensuring both sides shared the spoils.
At Balaka Stadium, the hosts Red Lions got off to a flying start as Fergason Mtondo opened the scoring just four minutes in, converting from a Zikhole Ngulube corner. After leading 1–0 at the break, the Lions introduced Brown Gondwe and Kennedy Kachimanga in the 58th minute for Royal Bokosi and Innocent Makalani, respectively.
The substitution paid off when Gondwe fired home a stunning shot from outside the box in the 68th minute after a clever assist from Dan Nyambose, whose influential display earned him the Man of the Match award.
Nyambose, alongside Kaliwo Harawa and Royal Bokosi, dictated play in attack as the Lions showed great hunger and control throughout the match.
Elsewhere, bottom-placed Jenda United picked up a valuable point after drawing 1–1 against Mchinji Villa at Kasungu Stadium. Jenda took the lead through Wyson Nyirenda in the 23rd minute, but Juwao Davie equalised for Mchinji three minutes later. The result moves Jenda to four points while Mchinji Villa now have 14.
At Mpira Stadium, Bangwe All Stars took an early lead through Selemani Size, who finished off a brilliant pass from Sunny Banda, before Ellard Msosa doubled the advantage in the 42nd minute by slotting home a rebound after a powerful shot from Muhammad Khursheed struck the post. Msosa’s lively display earned him the Man of the Match honour.
On Saturday, Ndirande Stars stunned Mitundu Baptist 3–0 at Mpira Stadium — an exact reversal of their first-round loss in Lilongwe. The win lifted Ndirande to 16 points, level with Chintheche United, as both sides now have identical records: four wins, four draws, and four losses, scoring 14 and conceding 15.
Meanwhile, at Balaka Stadium, Ntaja United and Baka City played out a thrilling 2–2 draw. The hosts came from behind to take the lead before Baka salvaged a point with a late equaliser in the 87th minute.
