Bullets Reserve have opened a three-point lead at the top of the SRFA FINCA Division League 1 table after beating Ntopwa FC 3-1 at the weekend.

The victory took Bullets to 37 points from 16 matches, with Ekhaya Reserve remaining second on 34 points after losing 2-0 to Wanderers Reserve.

Liberty FC are third on 33 points following a 2-1 victory over Mwanza United, while Mwanza Stars sit fourth with 30 points after beating QPL All Stars 2-0.

Bullets were on target through Francis Malikebu, Zaneel Jussab and Limbitso Chimanjamanja, while Chifundo Missi scored Ntopwa’s consolation goal.

Ekhaya’s defeat handed Bullets an opportunity to extend their advantage at the top, with Wanderers Reserve taking all three points through goals from Amin Yusuf and Steve Palemeza Jnr.

Liberty also kept up the pressure on the leading sides with their win over Mwanza United. Brave Zimba scored for Mwanza, but Ibrahim Mitochi and Edward Mindano found the net for Liberty.

In other matches, Nchina United beat Zingwangwa United 1-0, with Vincent Kaipa scoring the decisive goal, while Mwanza Stars registered a 2-0 victory over QPL All Stars on Sunday through an Alex Mhango brace.

The results leave Bullets in a strong position, although the teams chasing them still have a chance to close the gap as the league campaign continues.

Thondwe eye top-four position

FC Thondwe, Wanderers Reserve and Immigration FC are tied on 27 points, although Thondwe and Immigration have played 15 matches, one fewer than Wanderers.

Thondwe have a chance to improve their position when they face Nyambadwe United at Kamuzu Stadium on Today Monday.

A win would take Thondwe to 30 points, level with fourth-placed Mwanza Stars.

Their position would then depend on goal difference and the league’s ranking criteria.

Nyambadwe, who are eighth on 24 points from 15 matches, will also be looking for maximum points to move closer to the teams above them.

The Boyz SFC and Nchina United are level on 17 points, occupying 10th and 11th positions respectively, while Zingwangwa United are 12th on 16 points.

Mwanza United are 13th with 15 points, followed by Ntopwa FC on 10 points.

Tuesday’s meeting between Chiradzulu United and Chilomoni FC is another important fixture, with both sides fighting to improve their positions near the bottom of the table.

Chilomoni are 15th on nine points, while Chiradzulu are bottom with seven points.

A victory for either side would provide a valuable boost in their fight to move away from the relegation zone.

Chilomoni would move to 12 points with a win, while Chiradzulu would reach 10 points and reduce the gap between the two teams.

With Bullets now three points clear, Ekhaya Reserve and Liberty FC will be hoping to keep the leaders within reach.