Mutondo Stars secured their MTN Super League status with a vital 3-1 victory over already relegated Mines United, while FC MUZA claimed a historic first win at Nkana Stadium on a dramatic Sunday afternoon.
The survival battle took centre stage as Mutondo Stars produced a composed display to move clear of danger with one game remaining.
Joseph Wakiala Kiala opened the scoring in the 30th minute before Paul Mwape doubled the advantage two minutes after the restart. James Sichitalwe pulled one back for Mines United in the 76th minute to briefly raise hopes of a comeback, but Scotch Mwanza sealed the victory deep into stoppage time with a 90+1 minute strike.
The result lifted Mutondo Stars to 35 points — a tally FC Leopards can no longer surpass.
FC Leopards, however, kept their slim survival hopes alive with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Green Buffaloes in Kabwe.
Joshua Mapande scored the decisive goal in the 56th minute as the “Correct Boys” moved to 31 points. Leopards must now win their final fixture and hope either NAPSA Stars lose their last match or Nkwazi fail to collect points from both their remaining fixtures.
At Nkana Stadium, FC MUZA recorded a memorable first-ever victory at the famous venue with a 2-1 triumph over Nkana.
The hosts dominated large periods of the first half, but FC MUZA goalkeeper Paul Mulenga produced a string of impressive saves to keep the scores level.
The breakthrough came in the 74th minute when substitute Lewis Kasono embarked on a brilliant solo run before calmly slotting past the goalkeeper to give the visitors the lead.
Given Kalusa appeared to have sealed the points with an 89th-minute strike, although Oswald Nkandu grabbed a late consolation goal for Nkana in stoppage time.
The victory moved FC MUZA onto 48 points, while Nkana remained on 38.
Champions Power Dynamos continued their strong finish to the campaign with a narrow 1-0 victory over Green Eagles in Choma.
The decisive moment arrived in the 17th minute when Ismael Ankobo finished superbly after being picked out by Titus Chansa. Power then showed their experience and discipline to protect the lead and secure all three points away from home.
The result also saw Power coach Oswald Mutapa get the better of his brother Perry Mutapa in the dugout battle.
Elsewhere, Shawn Oduro’s 15th-minute strike handed Nkwazi FC a 1-0 win over Kansanshi Dynamos, while Mufulira Wanderers and Red Arrows played out a goalless draw.
Konkola Blades and NAPSA Stars also shared the spoils in a 0-0 stalemate as the relegation battle heads into a tense final round of fixtures.
