Ndirande Stars Halt Red Lions, Jenda Sink Further with Eighth Defeat

NBS Bank National Division One League leaders Red Lions dropped points at home for the first time this season after they were held to a goalless draw by a resurgent Ndirande Stars in a tense encounter played at Balaka Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions had not dropped a single point at home since their opening-day 1-0 loss to Baka City, having gone on to record six straight victories. But they found the going tough against a rejuvenated Ndirande side that has rediscovered its form in recent weeks.

Despite enjoying dominance for large stretches of the match, the Lions could not find the cutting edge needed to unlock the stubborn visitors.

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Red Lions head coach Malumbo Mkandawire said he was pleased with his team’s performance, though disappointed with their lack of goals.

“We played very well. Red Lions are playing entertaining football, but we failed to get a goal despite creating several chances. We tried, but Ndirande were also solid today,” Mkandawire said.

Ndirande Stars captain Justin Mkandawire said they executed their game plan well, though they also missed opportunities to steal all three points.

“Our plan was to contain them in the first half, which worked perfectly. In the second half, we tried to open up and create chances to score, but we couldn’t convert. Still, getting a point away from home is not bad,” he said.

Despite the draw, Red Lions have stretched their lead at the top to four points with 19 from eight games, comprising six wins, one draw, and one defeat. Ndirande Stars remain ninth with nine points from two wins, three draws, and three losses.

Meanwhile, Jenda United’s struggles continued as they slumped to their eighth straight defeat, losing 1-0 to Chilumba Barracks at Kasungu Stadium.

It was a historic win for Chilumba Barracks, who registered their first-ever victory in the league. The visitors had to dig deep against a determined Jenda side that managed to keep the game goalless for much of the afternoon. But with just 12 minutes remaining, Clement Noah struck the winner to seal all three points.

Chilumba Barracks head coach Nelson Chirwa admitted the first half was tough due to fatigue but was pleased with how his players responded.

“It was a tough match. Our opponents pressed us hard, and if we had dropped our guard, they could have scored. But we made changes, created chances, and finally scored. We even missed some good opportunities,” Chirwa said.

Jenda United officials refused to speak to the media after the match, visibly frustrated by another defeat on home turf.

The result lifts Chilumba Barracks to six points from one win, three draws, and four losses, while Jenda United remain rooted at the bottom with no points from eight matches.