Lions extend lead in NDL as Baka rise to second

Red Lions strengthened their bid for promotion to the elite league after a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Mitundu Baptist in a top-of-the-table clash at Civo Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The win opens up a seven-point gap at the summit of the NBS Bank National Division League.

The visitors showed tremendous character to recover from going behind on two separate occasions. Star forward Raheem Mtondera, returning from absence, put Mitundu Baptist ahead in the first minute and restored their lead in the 57th minute.

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However, Kaliwo Harawa proved to be Lions’ hero, canceling out both Mtondera strikes in the 45th and 61st minutes. Ferguson Mtondo then sealed the comeback with the winner seven minutes from time.

Red Lions head coach Malumbo Mkandawire praised his side’s resilience in what he described as a challenging encounter.

“It was a tough game as we came from behind twice, meaning our friends also wanted to win,” Mkandawire said. “But it is good that we have won and created a huge gap on Mitundu and Namitete Zitha.”

Mitundu Baptist coach Stanton Thomson reflected on what might have been for his side.

“We scored first twice but we conceded each time before letting in the third one, which means our problem is conceding,” Thomson said. “The penalty miss also let us down, but we accept and move on.”

The result sees Red Lions move to 29 points from 13 games, seven points clear of second-placed Baka City. Mitundu Baptist drop to third with 21 points from the same number of matches.

Baka City Capitalize on Mitundu Slip

Baka City seized the opportunity to leapfrog Mitundu Baptist into second place with a 2-1 victory over FOMO FC at Karonga Stadium.

Enock Kaonga gave the hosts a dream start with a goal inside two minutes. FOMO FC responded through Hopeson Adriano four minutes into the second half, but Satiel Chirambo struck on the hour mark to secure all three points for Baka.

Victor Mwakhwawa, Baka City’s head coach, credited recent squad reinforcements for their improved form.

“We had some new players which have helped us build a good team,” Mwakhwawa said. “What we are looking forward to is returning to the Super League, which looks possible. It is good to take points at home.”

FOMO FC coach Jimmy Zakazaka acknowledged his opponents’ superiority on the day.

“It was an open game. They got two chances and scored both, while we got one which we converted but could not find other chances. That’s why we have lost 2-1,” Zakazaka said.

Baka City now have 22 points from 13 games, sitting seven points behind leaders Red Lions. FOMO FC remain sixth with 17 points from 13 matches.

Villa and Ndirande Share Spoils

At Mchinji Community Ground, Mchinji Villa were held to a goalless draw by Ndirande Stars in their second consecutive stalemate of the second round.

The result marks a modest start for new coach Abel Mkandawire, who recently replaced Joseph Kamwendo after the latter’s successful two-month spell in charge.

Mkandawire described the match as a tactical battle between two well-coached sides.

“It was a good game full of tactics and brilliance as our friends also have a good coach in Lloyd Nkhwazi,” Mkandawire said. “We tried to battle it out tactically but we failed to unlock each other. We need to work on our finishing, but overall the future is bright and we have a good team.”

Ndirande Stars coach Lloyd Nkhwazi echoed similar sentiments about the contest.

“It was a good game. Every team was able to attack each other but we failed to get a goal,” Nkhwazi said. “We want to try hard to get out of where we are and compete for the top four spots in the League, which is quite possible.”

The draw leaves Mchinji Villa 11th on 15 points from 13 games, while Ndirande Stars sit eighth with 17 points from the same number of matches.

The National Division League has become increasingly competitive, with the relegation battle intensifying. Three teams in the drop zone are level on 15 points each, just two points from safety and nine points behind the top two.

After Week 13, Red Lions, Baka City and Mitundu Baptist occupy the top three positions. Ntaja United, Chilumba Barracks, Mchinji Villa and Jenda United currently find themselves in the relegation zone.