Mazembe continue their dominance over Zambian opposition

TP Mazembe continued their impressive record against Zambian opposition after beating Nkana FC 3-1 in a closed-door pre-season friendly in Kitwe on Tuesday afternoon.

The result came just two days after the Congolese champions defeated 2026 ABSA Cup winners Red Arrows 2-0 in another warm-up match, underlining Mazembe’s growing reputation as a difficult opponent for Zambia’s leading clubs.

Nkana started brightly and looked to test the Mazembe defence early, with Lazarous Kambole coming close inside the box after beating the offside trap.

But Mazembe struck on the stroke of half-time when Dante Joël Molindo Mbala gave the hosts the lead in the 44th minute.

The Ravens doubled their advantage immediately after the restart, Bingi Belo finding the net in the 46th minute before Gideon Mwanza made it 3-0 with a composed finish seven minutes later.

Nkana pulled one back from the penalty spot through Charles Zulu in the 59th minute, but Mazembe held on to claim another victory over Zambian opposition.

Kambole went close to reducing the deficit again in the 78th minute, only for Mazembe goalkeeper Aliou Faty to produce a good save.

The match also provided Elijah Tana’s side with another demanding test as Nkana continue their preparations for the 2026 MTN Super League Transition Season.

A familiar story for Zambian clubs

Mazembe’s latest victory adds to a remarkable recent record against Zambia’s leading clubs.

In 2012, the Lubumbashi giants eliminated Power Dynamos from the CAF Champions League with a 7-1 aggregate victory.

Six years later, Mazembe again stood in the way of Zambian opposition, eliminating ZESCO United 2-1 on aggregate in the 2018/19 CAF Champions League.

The pattern continued in 2024, when Mazembe defeated Red Arrows 4-1 on aggregate to eliminate the Zambian champions from the Champions League.

And now, although Tuesday’s encounter was only a friendly, Nkana have also fallen to the Congolese champions, leaving Mazembe with another win over a prominent Zambian club.

For Nkana, the defeat offers valuable preparation against one of the continent’s established forces. For Mazembe, it is another reminder of their enduring superiority whenever they cross paths with Zambia’s top clubs.