Red Lions extended their lead at the top of the NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) to 10 points after edging Ntaja United 1–0 in a tightly contested derby at Balaka Stadium on Sunday.
The Lions now sit on 39 points, while second-placed Baka City and third-placed Namitete Zitha are tied on 29 points ahead of Monday’s Match Week 17 fixture between Baka City and bottom-placed Jenda United.
Red Lions secured their all-important win through Humphreys Minandi, who produced a moment of brilliance in the 35th minute to settle a fiercely fought derby in which Ntaja United pushed hard throughout.
At Mchinji Community Ground, Namitete Zitha maintained third place with a 2–0 victory over Chilumba Barracks, courtesy of a brace from Levison Gopani in the 29th and 53rd minutes, with both goals assisted by Alexander Cosmas. The defeat kept Chilumba rooted in 9th position.
Mitundu Baptist also strengthened their fourth-place standing with a commanding 3–0 win over Chintheche United at Maliri Stadium. League top scorer Raheem Mtondera struck twice in the 52nd and 61st minutes after Moses Nyirenda had opened the scoring just before halftime. Mtondera’s brace took his tally to 17 goals and earned him the Man of the Match award.
In another Match Week 17 fixture, Mchinji Villa stunned Bangwe All Stars with a 4–1 victory, powered by a hat-trick from Juwao Davie, who scored in the 34th, converted a penalty in the 55th, and sealed the treble in the 90th minute. Bangwe All Stars grabbed a consolation goal through Sane Banda in stoppage time.
At Mpira Stadium, Ndirande Stars also produced a strong performance as Justice Zulu scored a brace, netting in the 12th and 45+2 minute, to guide his side to victory over FOMO FC.
