Seven of the ten NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) clubs that survived the first round of the regional qualifiers of the Castel Challenge Cup 2025 have progressed to the Round of 32, where they will join the 16 TNM Super League teams.
The successful NDL teams are Red Lions and Ntaja United from the Eastern Region, Ndirande Stars and Bangwe All Stars from the Southern Region, Namitete Zitha from the Central Region, and Chilumba Barracks together with Chintheche United from the Northern Region.
Ntaja United advanced to the Round of 32 after edging Nsamba Estate 2-1, while Red Lions also secured qualification with a 2-1 victory over Prison United in the Zomba derby. Prison United have additionally progressed as one of the best losers on fair-play grounds, completing the list of four qualifiers from the Eastern Region.
An all-NDL clash between Ndirande Stars and FOMO FC ended 1-1 in regulation time before Ndirande prevailed 7-6 in a tightly contested penalty shootout.
Namitete Zitha became the Central Region’s sole NDL representative after beating Nzamani FC 1-0. Their counterparts, Mitundu Baptist and Mchinji Villa, bowed out after losing 3-2 to Airborne Rangers and 5-3 on penalties to Extreme FC respectively.
In the Northern Region, Chilumba Barracks defeated Baula Celtic 3-1 and Chintheche United beat Chibavi Real Stars 1-0. They are joined by Homesweepers, who beat Chiponde 2-1, and Lufita United, who won 3-2 against Raiply FC.
Lufita had earlier eliminated Jenda United on penalties after a goalless draw, while Chibavi Real Stars knocked out Baka City with a 2-0 result.
Other Central Region qualifiers include Extreme FC, who beat Mponela FC 4-1. In the Southern Region, Nsanje United defeated Chitera FC 4-1 on penalties after a goalless draw, with Bereu Giants advancing following a 2-1 win over Thunga.
The 16 qualifiers now join defending champions Mighty Wanderers in the national phase alongside FCB Nyasa Big Bullets, Silver Strikers, Civil Service United, Karonga United, Ekhaya FC, Blue Eagles, Kamuzu Barracks, Chitipa United, Creck Sporting Club, Moyale FC, Dedza Dynamos, Mighty Tigers, MAFCO FC, Mzuzu City Hammers and the relegated side Songwe United.
