Red Lions have officially secured promotion back to the TNM Super League after defeating Bangwe All Stars 1-0 at Balaka Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The victory also means the Lions now need just three more points to be crowned champions of the inaugural NBS Bank National Division League (NDL).
A second-minute strike from Mphatso Magaleta proved decisive, sealing Red Lions’ long-awaited return to the elite league after their relegation three seasons ago.
The Lions now sit on 43 points with three matches left to play and require only one more win to hit an unreachable 46 points. Their closest challengers, Baka City, remain on 35 points and can only accumulate a maximum of 44.
Baka’s title hopes suffered a major setback after losing 1-0 to Mitundu Baptist at Maliri Stadium, where Golden Boot leader Raheem Mtondera scored the lone goal to take his tally to 19. Mitundu Baptist remain third and are tied on points with Namitete Zitha, who defeated relegated Jenda United 3-2 on Satur
day.
At Mchinji Community Ground, Mchinji Villa boosted their survival hopes with a 2-1 win over Chilumba Barracks, courtesy of a brace from Davie Juwao. The striker missed a 7th-minute penalty but redeemed himself with goals in the 18th and 46th minutes, taking his season tally to 13. Kanindo Mwafulirwa scored the consolation for Chilumba, who remain 11th on 20 points, deep in the relegation zone. Mchinji Villa rise to 9th with 22 points but are still fighting to escape the drop.
Chintheche United earned a crucial 1-0 away victory over Ndirande Stars at Mpira Stadium. After a goalless first half, Manase Mlenga scored in the 67th minute with a powerful header from a Brian Maulidi cross. Ndirande had a chance to level in the 78th minute, but goalkeeper Justin Bonongwe saved Maclay Chiwaya’s penalty and the rebound was cleared.
The defeat leaves Ndirande Stars 6th on 26 points, while Chintheche move to 10th with 22 points as the relegation battle intensifies.
Three teams from the NBS Bank National Division League will earn automatic promotion to the TNM Super League without playoffs, while the bottom four will be relegated to their respective regional leagues. Regional champions from the four football regions will then join the next NDL season.
