Photo Credit : Nchanga Rangers Media
The curtain falls on the first round of the 2025/26 MTN Super League this weekend, with Matchweek 17 delivering a packed schedule loaded with consequence at both ends of the table. With ABSA Cup qualification (top seven) and relegation survival firmly in focus, every fixture carries added weight.
At the summit, Power Dynamos lead the way on 35 points, but Red Arrows have a chance to reclaim top spot, while just below them, the race for continental places and ABSA Cup qualification remains finely balanced. At the other end, several sides are fighting desperately to halt worrying slides as the season reaches its midpoint.
Eagles Eye ABSA Cup as Mines United Seek Survival Boost
Green Eagles vs Mines United
Saturday | 15h00 | Independence Stadium, Choma
Green Eagles return home buoyed by a confidence-lifting 1–0 victory over Red Arrows — a result that ended a six-match winless run and reignited belief in Choma. Ninth on the table with 22 points, Eagles know that victory could be enough to secure a coveted ABSA Cup place.
Key men Collins Sikombe and Amity Shamende will be central to Eagles’ attacking ambitions. Bottom-placed Mines United, meanwhile, arrive with renewed resilience despite having just one win all season. Three matches unbeaten, including two draws and a victory, suggests quiet improvement, even if they remain rooted on nine points.
ABSA Cup Six-Pointer in Kabwe
Kabwe Warriors vs FC MUZA
Saturday | 15h00 | Railway Stadium, Kabwe
With both sides entrenched in the ABSA Cup conversation, this clash carries more than just three points. Sixth-placed FC MUZA (24 points) travel to seventh-placed Kabwe Warriors (23 points), with both teams winless in their last four outings.
Kabwe Warriors will look to captain Francis Banda for leadership, while MUZA’s hopes rest on the creativity of Biston Banda, Ricky Ng’ambi, Kelvin Mwanza and young midfielder Given Kalusa. With momentum elusive for both sides, composure could prove decisive.
Copperbelt Derby: Rangers Chase Continental Dream
Konkola Blades vs Nchanga Rangers
Saturday | 15h00 | Konkola Stadium, Chililabombwe
Third-placed Nchanga Rangers continue their push for continental football with a tricky away derby against Konkola Blades. Rangers arrive in confident mood following a midweek win over Kabwe Warriors and will look to Christopher Itaka, Abraham Kanyangala and Elliot Kampukesa for inspiration.
Blades, 11th on 19 points, are winless in six matches but could climb into the top ten with victory. History, however, is firmly against them — they last defeated Nchanga Rangers in 2014 — adding extra intrigue to a fixture rich in Copperbelt rivalry.
Kalampa Seek Third Straight Win
Nkana FC vs Kansanshi Dynamos
Saturday | 15h00 | Nkana Stadium, Kitwe
Momentum is finally building at Wusakile. Nkana FC, unbeaten in six and winners of their last two, host an equally resurgent Kansanshi Dynamos in a clash between sides separated by just one point.
Nkana coach Mwenya Chipepo is confident home support can inspire his side to a third consecutive victory as they look to climb from 14th place. Kansanshi, 13th on 17 points, also arrive on the back of two straight wins, setting the stage for a tight, high-intensity contest.
Relegation Rivals Collide in Lusaka
Nkwazi FC vs FC Leopards
Saturday | 15h00 | Edwin Imboela Stadium
A crucial battle at the foot of the table sees Nkwazi FC take on FC Leopards. Leopards are winless in six, while Nkwazi have managed just one victory in their last five. Recent history suggests balance — each side has won three of the last eight meetings, with two draws — making this a genuine toss-up in a match that could shape the relegation narrative.
Mutondo’s Long Wait Continues
Mutondo Stars vs NAPSA Stars
Sunday | 15h00 | Arthur Davies Stadium, Kitwe
Second-bottom Mutondo Stars, winless in ten matches, welcome NAPSA Stars in a fixture steeped in tension. NAPSA arrive after a goalless draw with Konkola Blades and will look to experienced campaigners Augustine Mulenga, Rally Bwalya, Kenneth Kasanga and Evans Kayombo Jnr to unlock the hosts. The last two meetings ended level, suggesting another tight affair.
Military Derby Takes Centre Stage
Green Buffaloes vs Red Arrows
Sunday | 15h00 | Edwin Imboela Stadium, Lusaka
The weekend’s headline act arrives on Sunday as Green Buffaloes and Red Arrows lock horns in the Military Derby. Pride, history and bragging rights are all on the line.
Red Arrows, second on the table with 34 points, can return to the summit with victory and will rely on Ricky Banda, Alassane Diarra and Angel Lubamba. Buffaloes, tenth on 21 points, will look to Bornface Mwape, Moonga Chilimba and Martin Njobvu to end a difficult run.
History favours Arrows, who are unbeaten against Buffaloes since 2021 — winning four and drawing three — but derbies have a habit of ignoring form.
