Defending champions ZESCO Ndola Girls can move top of the table, while fellow contenders Green Buffaloes, ZANACO Ladies and Indeni Roses face pivotal tests in a weekend that could reshape the ZPL Women’s Super League title race.
Match of the Week: Elite Ladies vs ZESCO Ndola Girls
Friday, 31 January | Reiz Arena Stadium, Lusaka
The spotlight falls on Reiz Arena as defending champions ZESCO Ndola Girls continue their pursuit of the ZPL Women’s Super League title against Elite Ladies.
ZESCO arrive in dominant form, having won five straight league matches, and boast the division’s most lethal attack. With Avell Chitundu leading the scoring charts on 15 goals and support from Penelope Mulubwa and Eneless Phiri, the champions have looked increasingly ruthless in recent weeks.
Elite Ladies, meanwhile, face a stern test after managing just one win in their last five outings. However, their ability to frustrate stronger opponents at home makes this fixture less straightforward than the table might suggest.
A win for ZESCO would take them two points clear at the top, at least temporarily, increasing the pressure on their closest rivals ahead of a pivotal midweek round of fixtures.
Title Race Watch
With just a handful of points separating the leading contenders, Matchweek 22 could prove decisive in the ZPL Women’s Super League title race.
ZESCO Ndola Girls (2nd, 46 pts, 18 games)
Victory on Friday would see the champions move top, putting pressure on Green Buffaloes Women, who play later in the week.
Green Buffaloes Women
Buffaloes return to action on Wednesday against an in-form ZISD FC side that has dominated recent meetings. Dropped points could see them lose ground in the race.
ZANACO Ladies (3rd, 43 pts, 19 games)
Unbeaten in 11 matches, ZANACO remain firmly in contention and will expect to keep pace when they host YASA Queens.
Indeni Roses (4th, 43 pts, 21 games)
Indeni face a tricky away test at Nchanga Rangers Queens, with little margin for error if they are to remain in the hunt.
As the season enters its decisive phase, momentum — and squad depth — may prove just as important as points on the table.
FULL PREVIEW
ZPL Women’s Super League 2025/26
Matchweek 22 Preview
Elite Ladies vs ZESCO Ndola Girls
Friday, 31 January | 10:00 | Reiz Arena Stadium, Lusaka
Defending champions ZESCO Ndola Girls will look to maintain their title charge when they face an inconsistent Elite Ladies side in the opening fixture of Matchweek 22.
Elite Ladies have managed just one win in their last five matches and currently sit 10th on the table with 25 points from 20 games. By contrast, ZESCO arrive in ruthless form, having won all of their last five league matches and four of their last five meetings with Elite Ladies.
ZESCO Ndola Girls boast one of the most potent attacks in the league, led by Avell Chitundu, the league’s top scorer with 15 goals. She is well supported by last season’s Golden Boot winner Penelope Mulubwa, midfielder Marjory Mulenga, and creative force Eneless Phiri, who has been central to ZESCO’s attacking rhythm.
Elite Ladies will rely on the experience and energy of Saliya Mwanza, Blessings Naomi Moonga, Phidah Muzuwa, and Margaret Mulenga to challenge the champions.
ZESCO begin the weekend second on the log with 46 points from 18 games. Victory would take them two points clear at the top, ahead of Green Buffaloes, who play later in the week.
Luyando Foundation vs Trident Queens
Friday, 31 January | 12:00 | Independence Stadium, Lusaka
A crucial mid-table clash sees Luyando Foundation Girls attempt to halt a worrying slide when they host Trident Queens.
Luyando have lost their last three matches and sit 12th with 18 points from 20 games. Trident, ninth on the table with 26 points from 21 matches, arrive in better form and are unbeaten in their last three outings.
The head-to-head record slightly favours Luyando, who have won two of the last five meetings, with two draws and one defeat.
Trident’s hopes will rest on Ruth Chinyama, Elizabeth Chishimba, and Florence Kasonde for attacking impetus, while defender Nandipa Mkombe will be key at the back.
For Luyando, Grace Sakala, Elinah Mbewe, and promising youngster Catherine Hichombolwa are expected to carry the attacking responsibility.
Saturday, 1 February
National Assembly Women vs Green Eagles Women
15:00 | Nationalist Stadium, Lusaka
Both sides enter this fixture looking to bounce back from surprise defeats.
National Assembly Women were stunned 3-0 by ZISD FC, while Green Eagles Women fell 3-1 to Trident Queens. Eagles, however, remain seventh on the table with 37 points, while Assembly sit 15th with just 12 points from 20 matches.
Recent meetings between the two sides have been tight, with the last three encounters decided by a single goal. Eagles have won two of those.
Theresa Chewe and Rachel Moono will spearhead the Eagles attack, supported creatively by Cindy Banda, with Sante Mukwata anchoring the defence.
Assembly will look to veterans Tukiya Mufishi, Lillian Mwaba, and Loveness Malunga to spark a response.
Chipata Girls vs Nkwazi Queens
15:00 | David Kaunda Stadium, Chipata
A relegation battle looms large as bottom-placed Chipata Girls host Nkwazi Queens, with both teams desperate for points.
Chipata remain winless this season, rooted to the foot of the table with just six points from 17 games. Nkwazi are only marginally better off, sitting 16th with 12 points from 20 matches, and are also without a win in their last five games.
Nkwazi will depend on Zewelanji Nambeye, Stacey Gloria Mwelwa, and creative midfielder Suwilanji Chibesa to unlock a fragile Chipata defence.
ZANACO Ladies vs YASA Queens
15:00 | Sunset Stadium, Lusaka
High-flying ZANACO Ladies will look to extend their impressive unbeaten run when they welcome YASA Queens.
ZANACO are unbeaten in their last 11 league matches and sit third on the log with 43 points from 19 games, firmly in the title conversation. YASA Queens, meanwhile, are 13th with 18 points and have managed just one win in their last five outings.
ZANACO have dominated this fixture in recent seasons, winning three of the last five meetings.
The visitors will rely on Eunice Bwalya and Harriet Matipa, while ZANACO’s attacking threat comes through Blessings Zangose Zulu, Regina Chanda, and midfield playmaker Inonge “De Bruyne” Muyamwa.
Nchanga Rangers Queens vs Indeni Roses
15:00 | Nchanga Stadium, Chingola
One of the standout fixtures of the weekend sees Nchanga Rangers Queens host title challengers Indeni Roses in Chingola.
Indeni sit fourth with 43 points from 21 games, while Nchanga are sixth with 38 points, both sides level on a +24 goal difference. Recent form suggests a tight contest, with both teams winning their last three matches.
Nchanga won the most recent meeting 3-0 in September, though Indeni dominated earlier encounters in 2024.
Ngosa Chabwe, Serah Moyo, Rhoda Chileshe, and goalkeeper Eunice Sakala will be key for Indeni.
Nchanga will lean on Lungowe Namasiku, Gracious Tailoshi, Nelia Ngulube, Comfort Selemani, and in-form Congolese striker Sarrive Lobo.
Amazing Grace FC vs Red Arrows Women
15:00 | ZNS Rugby Club Ground, Kabwe
In-form Amazing Grace FC face a stern test against Red Arrows Women after a strong second-half resurgence.
Amazing Grace have picked up three wins and a draw in their last five matches and now sit 14th with 18 points from 21 games. Red Arrows are fifth with 41 points from 19 matches and remain firmly in the top-four hunt.
Ruth Muwowo will be central to the hosts’ hopes, while Red Arrows will look to experienced forwards Mary Mambwe and Beatrice Njobvu to deliver.
Konkola Blades Queens vs Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens
15:00 | Konkola Stadium, Chililabombwe
Konkola Blades Queens will aim to make it three wins in a row when they host Kamfinsa Police Blue Eagles.
Blades Queens are eighth with 33 points, while Kamfinsa sit 11th with 23 points. The reverse fixture ended in a convincing 3-0 win for Konkola.
Kamfinsa will rely on Mercy Chipasula, Gift Kalwizhi, and Namakau Mwangala, while Blades’ attacking hopes rest on Malawian striker Chisomo Banda, with Towera Nkhata pulling the strings in midfield.
Wednesday, 5 February
Green Buffaloes Women vs ZISD FC
15:00 | Reiz Arena Stadium, Lusaka
Matchweek 22 concludes with an intriguing clash as Green Buffaloes Women host an in-form ZISD FC.
ZISD arrive on the back of a dominant 3-0 win over National Assembly, while Buffaloes were edged 2-1 by Indeni Roses. Despite Buffaloes’ higher league position, ZISD have dominated this fixture historically, winning the last five meetings while conceding just once.
ZISD will look to Mirriam Mohamed for goals, while Buffaloes depend on Agnes Phiri, Lydia Shamalima, and Maweta Chilenga. Coach Charles Haalubono will also hope to welcome back injured midfielder Natasha Nanyangwe.
