OPUWO – The battle for the Northeast First Division Football League title and promotion to the Premier League remains intense, with the top four teams locked in a fierce race for the championship. 

With five matches remaining before the season concludes, Rundu Chiefs, United Stars, KK United and Chiefs Santos are all in contention for the title. Rundu Chiefs, the current league leaders, maintained their position at the top of the table with a 4-0 victory over Oshikango Chiefs on Saturday, followed by a goalless draw against Chiefs Santos on Sunday. They remain at the summit with 35 points, holding a narrow three-point lead over second-placed United Stars (32). 

United Stars played to a goalless draw against Chiefs Santos on Saturday. However, the latter restored their pride with a 2-0 win over Oshikango Chiefs on Sunday to keep pace with Rundu Chiefs. 

Arch-rivals KK United (28 points), currently in third position, suffered a setback on Saturday with a 3-1 loss to relegation-threatened Shooting Stars, but bounced back with a 3-1 win over Eastern Chiefs on Sunday. Meanwhile, Chiefs Santos missed an opportunity to close the gap on the league leaders, managing only two points from two goalless draws against Rundu Chiefs and United Stars. They currently sit fourth with 27 points. 

Elsewhere in Eenhana, Ntunguru FC secured a decisive 4-1 victory over Further Fighters, moving them up to eighth place in the standings and putting them eight points clear of the relegation zone. However, Ntunguru FC suffered a 4-0 loss to Ohangwena Nampol on Saturday, who are now firmly in fifth place with 25 points. 

Eastern Chiefs (24 points) have lost momentum in the title race following a 3-1 defeat to KK United on Sunday, despite beating Kulisika Palace 2-0 on Saturday. Further Fighters follow closely with 23 points. Ohangwena Nampol secured back-to-back wins over Ntunguru (4-0) and Kangweru Black Tops (1-0). Oshikango Chiefs remain four points above the relegation zone in ninth position with 20 points. 

Kangweru Black Tops (10th) are just two points above the drop zone after failing to collect maximum points from weekend losses to Further Fighters (2-0) and Ohangwena Nampol (1-0). Shooting Stars (11th) and Kulisika Palace (12th) remain rooted in the relegation zone with 14 and 12 points, respectively. -Nampa