Red Lions eye Elite League promotion as Baka visit Mitundu Baptist

Red Lions need just one win to confirm their promotion and return to the elite league when they welcome Bangwe All Stars at Balaka Stadium on Sunday afternoon in the NBS Bank National Division League.

The Soldiers have been in fine form, claiming 40 points from 18 matches, and face sixth-placed Bangwe, who have 25 points.

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Lions were relegated from the top league in 2023 and finished second in last season’s Regional League to earn automatic qualification to the NDL, which launched this year.

Following their last outing—a goalless draw against FOMO—head coach Malumbo Mkandawire said his team will not slow down until they are confirmed champions.

“We will keep fighting to win the league because that’s what we want, and I am sure we will achieve that,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bangwe All Stars head coach Isaac Jomo Osman appeared to have already conceded this season and is hoping for better performance next year.

“It’s by grace that we are where we are because we are just building the team with youngsters from the under-20s, so I believe we will have a good team next season,” he said.

A win for the visitors would move them to 28 points, keeping them in contention for third place and a return to the league, as they trail the promotion places by just four points.

Baka City vs Mitundu Baptist: Game of the week

Meanwhile, there is no room for error when Mitundu Baptist and Baka City square off at Maliri Ground in Lilongwe in what is the game of the week in the NDL.

The match has huge implications for the league standings after week 19, as Mitundu Baptist will look to retain third spot after Namitete Zitha leapfrogged them with Saturday’s 3-2 win over Jenda United.

However, Baka City need the same result—a defeat would allow Mitundu and Zitha to close the gap on them while allowing Red Lions to pull further clear at the top.

Baka City are second with 35 points from 18 games, sitting five points behind Red Lions and three points above Namitete Zitha. Mitundu Baptist are fourth with 29 points from 18 games.

In another match, Ndirande Stars host relegation-threatened Chintheche United at Mpira Stadium in a bid to move closer to the top three.

A win would be vital for Stars, lifting them to 29 points—three points behind third-placed Namitete Zitha. Chintheche United need a win to move to 22 points in their fight for survival.

Finally in Mchinji, the battle for survival intensifies at Mchinji Community Ground as Mchinji Villa welcome Chilumba Barracks.

Villa are 10th with 19 points while Chilumba are 9th with 20 points. Wins are vital for both sides as they near the relegation zone.

Promotion and relegation format

At the end of this season, the top three teams will be promoted to the Super League, while the bottom four will be relegated to the regional leagues. They will be replaced by the four regional champions plus the three relegated Super League teams.