Ndirande Stars demolish Mitundu as Baka hold Ntaja in NDL

Ndirande Stars produced one of their best performances in the NBS Bank National Division League on Saturday, defeating second-placed Mitundu Baptist 3-0 to begin their second round on a high note at Mpira Stadium.

Mayamiko Makasu opened the scoring in the 36th minute before Macray Chiwaya doubled the lead six minutes later, giving the home side a comfortable advantage at halftime. Rafick Alli completed the rout with the team’s third goal in the 50th minute, securing sweet revenge after losing by the same margin in the first round.

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Head coach Robert Daudi was delighted with the victory and said it demonstrates how the team has prepared for the second round.

“We have strengthened the squad and that is paying off. We want to fight for a place in the top three, which looks possible, and we just need to keep picking up wins in every game we play,” said Daudi.

Baptist coach Stanton Thomson conceded defeat, citing the new playing surface and injuries to key players as costly factors.

“We have areas where we usually score goals, but the absence of Raheem Mtondera, Josophat Kwalira and Thokozani Harrison made us struggle today. We will fight hard because we want to secure a place in the elite league, and we believe we can still finish top of the standings,” said Thomson.

The victory lifted Ndirande Stars to 16 points in eighth position from four wins, four draws and four defeats. Baptist could drop from second place despite having 21 points from seven wins and five defeats.

Ntaja Held at Home

Meanwhile, Ntaja United missed an opportunity to start the second round with a win as Baka City equalized late to secure a 2-2 draw at Balaka Stadium.

Hastings Ndau gave Baka City the lead in the 35th minute, but Lloyd Chilenga leveled the score three minutes later. Prince Mwase then put the hosts ahead before Allan Msowoya’s 85th-minute strike earned his side a valuable point.

Ntaja United head coach Mabvuto Lungu said he is in the process of building a team that he believes will soon bear fruit.

“I am building a team and this takes time. We have short-term, medium-term and long-term plans, and on a short-term basis it’s working because we can create chances, but we didn’t convert them all,” said Lungu.

Baka City’s Victor Mwakhwawa praised his players for their resilience in earning an away point.

“It was a very good game and we managed to take a point away from home, which is never simple. We will keep trying to claim points away from home because that will help us tremendously in the league,” said Mwakhwawa.

Ntaja United remains in the relegation zone in 10th position with 12 points from three wins, three draws and six defeats. Baka City sits fourth with 19 points from five wins, four draws and three defeats.