Makeni All Stars were crowned 2025/26 ZPL Men’s National League champions after a dramatic final day in which the new champions did not even kick a ball.
The Lusaka-based side were awarded a 3-0 walkover victory over Mpulungu Harbour, who failed to fulfil the fixture, and that proved enough to secure the title on 66 points after both Trident FC and Roan United failed to win their decisive final matches.
Makeni’s triumph capped a remarkable conclusion to the campaign, with Trident and Roan both entering the final day with hopes of lifting the title.
Trident FC were held to a goalless draw by Lumwana Radiants in an intense North-Western Province derby, while Roan United suffered a damaging 1-0 defeat away to Kafue Celtic at Croc Swamp Stadium.
Caleb Musonda struck the decisive goal in the 65th minute to hand Celtic victory and condemn Roan to a fourth-place finish despite beginning the day at the summit of the standings.
In Lusaka, Atletico Lusaka came from behind to beat Kitwe United 3-1 in an entertaining encounter.
Samuel Kabwe gave Kitwe United the lead in the 28th minute before Raymond Mwiinga levelled three minutes after the restart with his 14th goal of the season, sealing his place as the league’s top scorer. Zambia Under-17 forward Abel Salim Nyirongo then stole the show with a late brace, scoring in the 74th and 84th minutes to complete the turnaround.
Chirundu United ended the season in style with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Jumulo FC in Kitwe.
Ackson Mpalo opened the scoring in the 28th minute before Philimon Chilimina doubled the advantage four minutes into the second half. Andrew Simumba wrapped up the win in the 84th minute as Chirundu confirmed promotion to the MTN Super League.
Ndola United also finished strongly, defeating Chambishi FC 3-1 away from home.
Joshua Kaputu fired the visitors ahead in the 28th minute before Steven Chisha converted a penalty five minutes after the break to make it 2-0. Ndonji Nkandu pulled one back for Chambishi from the penalty spot in the 66th minute, but Cosmas Ntenda sealed the victory with four minutes remaining.
Elsewhere, Chipata City Council cruised to a 3-0 victory over Locus FC thanks to goals from Francis Phiri (24’), Malik Selifu (48’) and Dalitso Lombe (67’).
Forest Rangers and Aguila Stars played out a goalless draw, while already relegated River Plate held Indeni FC to a 1-1 draw.
Emmanuel Turner gave River Plate the lead in the 32nd minute before Jonathan Tanganyika equalised for Indeni three minutes into the second half.
Makeni All Stars, Chirundu United, Trident FC and Roan United have all secured promotion to next season’s MTN Super League.
At the other end of the table, Mpulungu Harbour and River Plate were relegated to the Provincial Leagues.
