Matchweek 26 of the ZPL Men’s National League promises another round of high-stakes action as teams battle for promotion, playoff positions and survival in the 2025/26 season.
With the title race tightening at the top and the relegation fight intensifying, several fixtures across the country carry significant implications.
Match of the Weekend: Chirundu United vs Roan United
The standout clash of the weekend will take place at Edwin Imboela Stadium, where fourth-placed Roan United face third-placed Chirundu United in what could prove decisive in the promotion race.
Both sides sit level on 46 points, just behind leaders Makeni All Stars, meaning victory for either team could propel them into first or second place depending on other results.
Chirundu United come into the encounter in impressive form, unbeaten in their last five matches, while Roan United have suffered just one defeat in the same period. With both teams among the most consistent performers in the division, the clash is expected to be fiercely contested as they aim to strengthen their push for promotion to the MTN Super League.
Trident host Forest in another big clash
Second-placed Trident FC will also have their eyes on top spot when they welcome Forest Rangers to Sentinel Ground.
Trident could leapfrog Makeni All Stars with victory depending on results elsewhere. However, Forest Rangers, currently fifth, remain firmly in the promotion race and will be seeking revenge after edging Trident 2-1 in the reverse fixture. Both teams head into the game unbeaten in their last five matches, setting up another exciting contest.
Leaders Makeni face tricky Locus test
On Sunday, Makeni All Stars will travel to Nationalist Stadium to face Locus FC as they look to maintain their grip on top spot.
Makeni lead the standings with 49 points, but the chasing pack of Trident FC, Roan United and Chirundu United are only two to three points behind, making every result crucial at this stage of the campaign. Locus, meanwhile, sit 16th with 22 points and are fighting to escape the relegation zone.
Forward Mike Musukuma, who has scored eight goals this season, will again spearhead Makeni’s attack.
Atletico aim for third straight win
Elsewhere on Sunday, Atletico Lusaka travel to David Kaunda Stadium to face Chipata City Council FC in what promises to be an entertaining encounter.
Both sides enter the match on the back of two consecutive wins and will be eager to extend their good run of form. Atletico currently sit ninth with 32 points, while Chipata City Council are 11th with 28 points.
Atletico’s attacking duo of Edmond Lungu Banda and Raymond Mwiinga, who have combined for 18 goals, will be key to the visitors’ chances.
Radiants chase third straight victory
At Musa Kasonka Stadium, Lumwana Radiants will attempt to make it three wins in a row when they face struggling Ndola United.
Ndola United are winless in their last five matches and sit just one point above the relegation zone, making this a crucial fixture for the hosts. Lumwana Radiants, currently sixth with 42 points, will be targeting maximum points to keep their promotion hopes alive.
Chambishi, Kitwe look to bounce back
At Chambishi Stadium, Chambishi FC host Kitwe United with both sides desperate for consistency.
Chambishi are 12th with 27 points and have managed just one win in their last five matches, while Kitwe United sit 14th with 25 points, also with only one win in their last five outings. The two teams will be hoping to revive their campaigns with victory.
Indeni, Aguila clash in mid-table battle
At Indeni Sports Complex, Indeni FC take on Aguila Stars in a tricky encounter between two ambitious sides.
Indeni are 10th with 31 points, while Aguila Stars occupy eighth place with 38 points. Aguila claimed a 3-2 victory in the reverse fixture and will look to complete the double.
Indeni will rely on Jonathan Munalula, who has scored nine goals this season, while Aguila Stars will look to Keke Sipuka, Kolamanda Sichivula and Samson Malaya to influence the match.
Celtic face struggling River Plate
At Independence Stadium, Kafue Celtic will be aiming to end a poor run of form when they face River Plate FC.
Celtic are seventh with 41 points but have struggled recently, while River Plate are 17th with 19 points and remain firmly in the relegation battle.
Walkover expected
Meanwhile, Jumulo FC are expected to be awarded maximum points from their scheduled fixture against Mpulungu Harbour, who have already forfeited five matches this season after failing to honour fixtures.
Several clubs have already written to the Zambian Premier League requesting Mpulungu Harbour’s expulsion from the league following the repeated forfeits.
With promotion rivals facing each other and the relegation battle intensifying, Matchweek 26 could prove pivotal in shaping the outcome of the National League season. All eyes, however, will be firmly on Edwin Imboela Stadium, where Chirundu United and Roan United battle in the weekend’s biggest showdown.
