Forest Rangers and Kitwe United maintain Northern Zone lead as Mines United close in

Forest Rangers and Kitwe United maintained their grip on the top two positions in the ZPL Men’s National Division Northern Zone after recording narrow victories on Saturday, while Mines United strengthened their promotion challenge with a convincing win over Indeni FC.

Forest Rangers edged FC Leopards 1-0, with Nicholas Chipoya scoring the decisive goal in the fifth minute to secure three valuable points.

The victory keeps Forest Rangers at the summit of the Northern Zone standings with 13 points, level with second-placed Kitwe United but ahead on goal difference.

Kitwe United kept pace with the leaders after claiming a 1-0 victory over Jumulo FC. Moses Chileshe scored in the 10th minute to hand the Bankers a hard-fought win and take their tally to 13 points.

Mines United also strengthened their promotion ambitions following a 2-0 victory over Indeni FC.

Mixiwell Mushimba was the difference-maker, finding the net in the 38th minute before completing his brace deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 90+2nd minute.

The result leaves Mines United on 10 points, three behind the joint leaders, keeping them firmly in contention in the promotion race.

Chambishi FC were also among Saturday’s winners after coming from behind to beat Lumwana Radiants 2-1.

Fred Kumwenda gave Lumwana an early advantage in the fifth minute, but Chambishi responded almost immediately through Musonda David, who equalised in the eighth minute.

Kanema Joseph then completed the turnaround in the 31st minute, giving Chambishi a lead they would hold on to for the remainder of the contest.

Despite the victory, Chambishi remain on seven points, while Lumwana Radiants stay on eight.

There was little to separate Mathkat United and Ndola United as the two sides played out a goalless draw.

Both teams came into the encounter in the bottom two positions, with Ndola United ninth on five points and Mathkat United bottom on four. The result leaves both sides on their respective points tallies as they continue searching for greater consistency in the campaign.

Southern Zone: Mikalile and Kafue Celtic share spoils

In the Southern Zone’s only reported fixture on Saturday, Mikalile FC and Kafue Celtic played out a 1-1 draw.

Mikalile made a bright start when Portipher Zulu opened the scoring in the seventh minute, but Kafue Celtic responded through Musa Chiwaya, who restored parity in the 21st minute.

Neither side could find a winner, and the points were shared.

The result leaves Kafue Celtic on nine points, while Mikalile remain on eight, keeping both sides in contention in a competitive Southern Zone campaign.

Aguila Stars continue to lead the Southern Zone standings with 13 points from five matches, followed by Nampundwe FC on 12 and Atletico Lusaka on 11.

With the transitional season continuing to take shape, the Northern Zone promotion race is developing into a close contest, with Forest Rangers and Kitwe United setting the pace on 13 points and Mines United just three points behind.