It was a high-scoring Saturday in the ZPL Men’s National League as Week 25 delivered drama, late goals and significant movement at the top end of the table.
Trident and Roan Move Into Promotion Places
Trident FC edged Ndola United 1-0 to climb into second place. Dyson Phiri’s 43rd-minute strike proved decisive in a tightly contested encounter, handing Trident maximum points and a crucial step up in the standings.
Roan United also made their move, rising to third after a convincing 2-0 win over Indeni FC. Mwila Samiwe opened the scoring early in the 12th minute before Kambwili Chiyumba Shadrick doubled the advantage in the 25th minute to seal a comfortable victory.
Both sides advanced one place on the table, capitalising on results elsewhere to strengthen their promotion ambitions.
Radiants and Atletico Also On The Rise
Lumwana Radiants produced an impressive away display to beat Aguila Stars 3-1. Charles Lubasi gave Radiants the lead from the penalty spot in the 37th minute before Joseph Chanda added a second in the 61st. Samson Malaya pulled one back for Aguila in the 67th minute, but Chanda Kapata sealed the win deep into stoppage time (90+5’). The victory sees Lumwana move up one place in the standings.
Atletico Lusaka also climbed a position after edging Chambishi FC 2-1. Chambishi had taken an early lead through Ndonji Nkandu in the 28th minute, but Edmond Lungu Banda equalised in the 39th minute before Thomas Chisi struck two minutes into the second half (47’) to complete the turnaround.
Spoils Shared in Entertaining Draws
Forest Rangers and River Plate played out a dramatic 2-2 draw. Saviour Kunda put Forest ahead in the 9th minute, but Emmanuel Gondwe levelled seven minutes later. Nicholas Chipoya restored Forest’s lead from the penalty spot in first-half stoppage time (45+3’), only for Emmanuel Mwale to rescue a point for River Plate with an 84th-minute strike.
There was similar drama between Kafue Celtics and Jumulo FC in another 2-2 stalemate. Kasuba Mulenga gave Jumulo an early lead in the 5th minute before Charles Mwitumwa equalised five minutes later. Charles Kampamba put Celtics ahead in the 40th minute, but Nkumbu Mutambo struck in the 81st minute to ensure the spoils were shared.
Kitwe United Edge Locus
Kitwe United secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Locus FC. Mickson Nyoni handed Locus the lead in the 64th minute, but Moses Lolozi equalised in the 69th before Simon Kabwe completed the comeback with a 76th-minute winner.
With Trident FC, Roan United, Lumwana Radiants and Atletico Lusaka each moving up a place, the promotion race has taken a fresh twist heading into the final stretch of the season. Week 25 may well prove a defining round in the battle for top-flight football next term.
