BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-Baka City have finally put an end to their one-year absence from Malawi’s top flight after edging past Ndirande Stars 2-0 in a decisive NBS Bank National Division League encounter at Karonga Stadium.
The Clever Boys arrived in Karonga aware that anything short of victory would delay their promotion ambitions.
The pressure showed in the opening stages, with both teams cautious, knowing the importance of the occasion rather than the beauty of the football on display.
Joseph Mwambungu broke the deadlock in the 38th minute, a goal that shifted momentum firmly in Baka City’s favor.
The strike lifted the burden off the players’ shoulders and forced Ndirande Stars to chase the game.
Just before halftime, Hastings Ndau struck again in added time, delivering a psychological blow that left Ndirande Stars with a mountain to climb in the second half.
That two goal cushion proved enough to secure Baka City’s promotion, making them the second side to book a Super League slot alongside champions Red Lions.
With a seven-point advantage over fourth placed Namitete Zitha, Baka City’s place in the top three is now guaranteed.
Head coach Victor Mwakhwawa later described the match as one of the most demanding of the season, noting that the weight of expectation nearly unsettled his players.
He applauded their discipline and composure in managing the game once they took control.
The match, however, did not end without controversy. Ndirande Stars assistant coach Robert Daudi voiced strong dissatisfaction, alleging that his team’s preparation was disrupted after being denied training access at the stadium and questioning several refereeing decisions.
While debate continues off the pitch, the statistics underline Baka City’s achievement. They now have 39 points from 11 wins, six draws and four defeats.
More significantly, the promotion completes a remarkable turnaround for Baka City following last season’s collapse in the TNM Super League.
After finishing bottom with just 13 points and suffering heavy defeats, few expected such a swift response.
As Baka City prepare for their final match against Red Lions, attention now shifts to how they will approach their return to elite football.
This time, the Clever Boys will be aiming not just to survive but to rewrite a painful recent history.