Songwe Border United opened a three-point lead at the top of the NBS Bank National Division League after beating Mighty Tigers 2-1 at Mpira Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The result came as second-placed Extreme FC were held to a goalless draw by Ndirande Stars at Zomba Stadium.
Songwe and Extreme were separated by one point going into Matchweek Eight, but Songwe have now moved to 19 points, while Extreme are second with 16 points.
Extreme’s second place could also come under pressure on Monday if Embangweni United, who have 13 points, beat Chilobwe United by a wide margin at Mpira Stadium.
Following their draw against Extreme, Ndirande Stars have moved to 14 points and displaced Embangweni United from fourth place ahead of Monday’s fixture.
At Mpira Stadium, Songwe took the lead in the 19th minute through Tendai Phiri before Emmanuel Munthali doubled the advantage in the 32nd minute.
Mighty Tigers, who have found life tough in the second-tier league after being relegated from the top flight alongside Songwe Border United, pulled one back in the 41st minute through Madalitso Banda.
However, Songwe held on until the final whistle to claim maximum points and strengthen their grip at the summit, while Tigers remained 10th in the relegation zone.
On Sunday, fifth-placed FOMO FC, who have 11 points, will host sixth-placed Mzuzu City Hammers at Mulanje Park.
At Owen Malijani Stadium, ninth-placed Namitete Zitha, who have eight points, will host seventh-placed Ntaja United, who have nine points.
