Mines United began life in the 2026 Zambia Premier League Transitional Season with a comeback victory, while Forest Rangers and Ndola United opened their campaigns with narrow wins.
Mines United, relegated from the MTN Super League last season, came from a goal down to beat Jumulo FC 2–1.
Peter Phiri put Jumulo ahead after 10 minutes, but Djefi Lumingu restored parity for Mines United in the 30th minute. Martin Hamunjembwe then completed the turnaround with 12 minutes remaining.
At Chambishi, Forest Rangers edged Chambishi FC 1–0, with new signing Emmanuel Chikaza scoring the only goal of the game in the 61st minute.
Chikaza, who joined Forest Rangers on a permanent deal from Konkola Blades, marked his debut by opening his account for the club.
Ndola United also made a winning start, defeating FC Leopards 1–0 courtesy of Jethro Banda’s eighth-minute strike.
There were draws in the other two opening fixtures.
Indeni FC and Kitwe United played out a goalless draw, while Mathkat United and Lumwana Radiants shared four goals in a 2–2 draw.
Shadrick Kambwili gave Lumwana Radiants the lead in the 30th minute before Mathkat United turned the game around through Chabala Kasanda in the 55th minute and George Salamansa 13 minutes later.
Kambwili, however, had the final say, scoring his second of the match in the 81st minute to earn Lumwana Radiants a point.
2026 ZPL Men’s National League Transitional Season – Week 1 results
- Indeni FC 0–0 Kitwe United
- Mathkat United 2–2 Lumwana Radiants — Chabala Kasanda 55′, George Salamansa 68′ | Shadrick Kambwili 30′, 81′
- Ndola United 1–0 FC Leopards — Jethro Banda 8′
- Chambishi FC 0–1 Forest Rangers — Emmanuel Chikaza 61′
- Jumulo FC 1–2 Mines United — Peter Phiri 10′ | Djefi Lumingu 30′, Martin Hamunjembwe 78′
