The fight for survival in the NBS Bank National Division League will be settled on the final day after Ntaja United denied Chintheche United a chance to secure their safety with a 2-1 victory at Balaka Stadium on Thursday afternoon.
Ntaja United could have confirmed their relegation if they had lost the match, while Chintheche needed only a win in their final game to guarantee survival. Now the battle will extend to the final day, with three teams still fighting to avoid the drop.
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The hosts struck first through Kingsley Charles’ 43rd-minute goal, but Adams Ng’oma equalized four minutes into the second half. Lloyd Chilenga then scored a 77th-minute winner from a rebound after his initial penalty was saved by Justin Bonongwe, securing a crucial victory.
Ntaja United head coach Mabvuto Lungu said his team needed the points most in the league and praised his players for their performance.
“We started very well and this is the best we’ve played from the opening whistle. We really wanted this win. Of all the teams in the league, we’re the ones who needed it most this week, and I’m happy we claimed it. Kudos to the boys,” said Lungu.
He added that the battle is far from over and cautioned against premature celebration.
“We’re still regarding ourselves as being in the relegation zone. We’ve won, but it means nothing because we haven’t secured safety yet. We’ll keep fighting and celebrate only once survival is confirmed,” he said.
Chintheche United head coach Kaloti Kayuni blamed poor officiating for his team’s defeat.
“We played well and had chances to kill the game in the first half, but we missed them. In the second half, we got a goal, but then they were given a penalty where there was no foul. We’re disappointed with the officiating,” Kayuni said.
However, he remained optimistic about his team’s chances, noting they still have a home match against FOMO FC where they will push hard for a win.
A victory for Chintheche would have officially relegated both Ntaja United and Chilumba Barracks, but now the survival battle continues between Ntaja United, Chintheche, and Villa. Chilumba remain mathematically alive but are almost certain to go down.
Following the result, Ntaja United climbed out of the relegation zone to 8th place with 26 points from 7 wins, 5 draws, and 9 defeats. Chintheche dropped to 9th with 25 points from 6 wins, 7 draws, and 8 defeats.
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