BALAKA-(MaraviPost)-Red Lions have sealed a sensational return to the TNM Super League after beating Bangwe All Stars 1-0 at Balaka Stadium on Sunday afternoon, placing themselves just one win away from lifting the inaugural NBS Bank National Division League (NDL) title.

A brilliant second-minute strike from Mphatso Magaleta proved enough to send the Zomba-based soldiers back to the top flight after three seasons of waiting.

The early goal set the tone for a determined Red Lions side that defended with grit and controlled the match with maturity.

With the victory, the Lions now sit comfortably on 43 points, requiring only one more win from their remaining three matches to reach an unassailable 46 points.

Their closest rivals, Baka City, faltered after suffering a 1-0 defeat to Mitundu Baptist a result that has tilted the title race heavily in Red Lions’ favour.

At Maliri ground in Lilongwe, Golden Boot frontrunner Raheem Mtondera netted his 19th goal of the season to hand Mitundu Baptist the win over Baka City.

The defeat leaves Baka stranded on 35 points and needing a miracle to catch the runaway leaders.

Elsewhere, the battle for survival intensified. Mchinji Villa boosted their hopes of staying in the league with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Chilumba Barracks. Davie Juwao, who missed an early penalty, redeemed himself with a brace, taking his season tally to 13 goals.

Kanindo Mwafulirwa scored Chilumba’s consolation but the loss leaves them buried in the relegation zone with just 20 points.

Chintheche United also picked up a vital 1-0 win away to Ndirande Stars at Mpira Stadium in Blantyre, After a tight first half, Manase Mlenga rose high to power home a header in the 67th minute.

Ndirande missed a golden chance to equalise when Justin Bonongwe saved Maclay Chiwaya’s penalty, keeping Chintheche’s survival hopes alive as they climb to 10th on 22 points.

The stakes continue to rise across the NDL as three teams will earn automatic promotion into the TNM Super League, while four sides will be relegated to their respective regional leagues.

According to FAM Competitions and Communications Director Gomezgani Zakazaka, Red Lions are now officially confirmed as the first team to secure promotion with the association closely monitoring which other two sides will follow.

The Maravi Post