Roan United and Trident FC secured promotion to the MTN Super League with emphatic victories on Matchweek 33 of the ZPL National League season.
Roan United underlined their title credentials with a dominant 5–1 win over Forest Rangers, powered by braces from Wilfred Chitembo and a hat-trick from Clifford Hamunkoyo. The result lifted Roan to 64 points from 33 matches — a tally only two other sides can now match — confirming their return to the top flight.
Trident FC joined them on 64 points after edging Aguila Stars 1–0, with Boyd Kauya’s early fourth-minute strike proving decisive in a tightly contested encounter.
Ruthless Roan, clinical Trident
Roan United wasted little time asserting control, with Chitembo striking in the 2nd minute before Hamunkoyo took over with a clinical treble (12’, 46’, 84’). Chitembo added his second in the 76th minute to cap a five-star display, while Forest Rangers’ only reply came through Saviour Kunda (35’).
Trident, meanwhile, showed composure under pressure, holding onto their early lead to secure maximum points and promotion in style.
Mwiinga shines in Atletico rout
Elsewhere, Atletico Lusaka delivered one of the standout performances of the weekend, thrashing Ndola United 4–1 thanks to a four-goal haul from Raymond Mwiinga (32’, 49’, 67’, 69’). Steven Chisha netted a late consolation for Ndola United.
Indeni FC also recorded a solid 3–1 victory over Jumulo FC, with goals from Jonathan Munalula, Simon Mwenya and Titus Bwalya. Francis Mwale scored Jumulo’s lone goal.
Lumwana Radiants were awarded a 3–0 walkover against River Plate.
Promotion picture and standings context
With one round of fixtures remaining for most teams, the top of the table has taken definitive shape. Roan United lead the standings with 64 points and a superior goal difference (+29), narrowly ahead of Trident (+21), who are level on points.
Makeni All Stars, on 60 points with a game in hand, and Chirundu United on 56 with two games in hand remain the only two sides capable of matching the leading pair’s tally or eclipsing them hence sealing their promotion.
Forest Rangers, despite sitting fourth on 57 points, saw their promotion hopes suffer a major dent following the heavy defeat to Roan and now depend on Chirundu United’s results in their two games in hand.
At the bottom, River Plate (24 points) and Mpulungu Harbour (14 points) have already been relegated with Ndola United, Chipata City Council, Kitwe United, Chambishi and Locus all still at risk of relegation.
ZPL National League 2025/26 Season – Matchweek 33 (Saturday, 2nd May) – Full Time
- Aguila Stars 0–1 Trident FC
Goal: Boyd Kauya (4’) - Atletico Lusaka 4–1 Ndola United
Goals: Raymond Mwiinga (32’, 49’, 67’, 69’)
Ndola United: Steven Chisha (78’) - Indeni FC 3–1 Jumulo FC
Goals: Jonathan Munalula (32’), Simon Mwenya (45+2’), Titus Bwalya (75’)
Jumulo FC: Francis Mwale (44’) - Roan United 5–1 Forest Rangers
Goals: Wilfred Chitembo (2’, 76’), Clifford Hamunkoyo (12’, 46’, 84’)
Forest Rangers: Saviour Kunda (35’) - Lumwana Radiants 3–0 River Plate (Walkover)
