Just a single win separates Red Lions from claiming the NBS Bank National Division League title, sparking jubilant celebrations among their fervent supporters eagerly awaiting their team’s top-flight return.
The Zomba-based soldiers sealed their promotion back to the TNM Super League last Sunday after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Bangwe All Stars at Balaka Stadium, marking their return after three seasons in the lower league.
With 43 points, Red Lions only need three more to hit 46, and that opportunity comes this Sunday at Mzuzu Stadium against Chintheche United, a team battling relegation.
A win will guarantee them the inaugural NDL title, regardless of other remaining fixtures.
Second-placed Baka City are on 35 points and can reach a maximum of 44 if they win all of their three remaining matches.
They host another relegation-threatened side, Mchinji Villa, on Saturday at Karonga Stadium, knowing that any slip-up will leave them under pressure from Mitundu Baptist and Namitete Zitha.
Mitundu Baptist and Namitete Zitha both sit on 32 points, on third and fourth respectively, and meet on Sunday at Mchinji Community Ground in a crucial tie that may define their final standings as they chase the runners-up position.
Ndirande Stars, who are sixth with 26 points, travel to Chitipa Stadium to face 11th-placed Chilumba Barracks who have 20 points.
On Saturday, FOMO FC in fifth place with 27 points take on relegated Jenda United at Kasungu Stadium, while seventh-placed Bangwe All Stars clash with Ntaja United at Mpira Stadium.
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Malawi has confirmed that the top three NDL teams will automatically earn promotion into the TNM Super League next season, with no playoffs involved.
The bottom four will be relegated to regional leagues, opening space for champions of the four regional divisions to join the NDL next term.
The Super League relegation battle also continues, and with two matches left in their debut campaign, Songwe Border have already been confirmed relegated after managing only six points in 28 games, scoring nine goals and conceding 70.
Mighty Tigers sit 16th with 27 points while Mzuzu City Hammers are on 14th with 27 as well, both having three games remaining.
Dedza Dynamos, in 13th place, and 12th-placed MAFCO are tied on 31 points as the survival battle heats up.
