Dacia Chisinau successfully started the new national football championship. On July 24, Moldova’s champion beat Nistru Otaci 1-0. The only goal of the game was scored by Ghenadie Orbu in the 78th minute. Sheriff Tiraspol scored a 2-0 victory against CSCA-Rapid Ghidighici. The first goal was scored by Brazilian striker Johnathan, while the second by Benjamin Balima. This success allowed Sheriff to take the lead after the first National Division stage. Elsewhere on July 23, Olimpia Balti defeated FC Tiraspol 1-0, Milsami-Ursidos Orhei beat Academia UTM Chisinau 3-2, while Sfantul Gheorghe Suruceni won against FC Costuleni 2-1. Iskra-Stal Rybnitsa and Zimbru Chisinau will meet in the last first-leg match of the stage on July 25. The return matches will be played on July 30 and 31. FC Costuleni will face Academia, Nistru - Milsami-Ursidos, CSCA-Rapid – Dacia, FC Tiraspol – Sheriff, Zimbru – Olimpia, while Sf. Gheorghe - Iskra-Stal.