January 24–28, 2026
The ZPL Men’s National League returns this weekend with a packed Week 20 programme that promises drama at both ends of the table. From promotion contenders tightening their grip at the summit to relegation-threatened sides desperate for points, every fixture carries weight as the season edges closer to its decisive phase.
Chambishi FC vs River Plate
Saturday, January 24 | 15:00 | Chambishi Stadium
Chambishi FC welcome River Plate to Chambishi Stadium in a fixture that pits mid-table stability against a side fighting for survival. The two teams share a tightly balanced head-to-head record, having met three times previously with one win apiece and one draw. Their most recent encounter, a 2–2 thriller in August 2025, underlined just how evenly matched these sides can be.
Chambishi edged River Plate 1–0 earlier in April last year, while River Plate claimed a similar scoreline in December 2024. Current form slightly favours the hosts, who have managed a win, a loss and two draws in recent outings. River Plate, meanwhile, remain winless in their last five matches, drawing three and losing two.
Sitting 12th with 19 points, Chambishi know a home victory could ease lingering relegation concerns. Bottom-placed River Plate, anchored on 13 points, will look to creative midfielder Aaron “Pogba” Nkhoma to inspire a revival as they search for a vital away result.
Indeni FC vs Kafue Celtics
Saturday, January 24 | 15:00 | Indeni Sports Complex, Ndola
In Ndola, Indeni FC face one of the league’s most in-form sides when they host promotion hopefuls Kafue Celtics. The visitors won the only previous meeting between the two teams, a 2–1 victory in August, and arrive in red-hot form with five consecutive wins.
Kafue Celtics sit second on the table with 36 points from 19 matches and will be eager to keep pace with league leaders Makeni All Stars. Their attacking threat is spearheaded by Mulenga Chiluba, Emmanuel Mwanza, and Zambia U17 skipper Jonathan Kalimina, who have been central to their impressive run.
Indeni, ninth with 23 points, have struggled for consistency, managing just one draw in their last five games. However, they possess a proven goal threat in Jonathan Munalula, who already has eight goals this season and will be crucial if the hosts are to upset the title chasers.
Ndola United vs Makeni All Stars
Saturday, January 24 | 15:00 | Musa Kasonka Stadium
League leaders Makeni All Stars travel to Ndola knowing that any slip-up could invite pressure from their closest rivals. With 42 points from 19 matches, Makeni have set the pace all season and arrive buoyed by wins over Kitwe United and FC Locus.
Ndola United, however, will be hoping home advantage can tilt the balance. Despite sitting 15th with 18 points, they have shown flashes of resilience, recording wins against Kitwe United and Atletico Lusaka, though a heavy defeat to Lumwana Radiants exposed defensive vulnerabilities.
Makeni’s attacking hopes once again rest on Mike Musukuma, who has seven goals this campaign and will be eager to add to his tally as the promotion race intensifies.
Roan United vs Kitwe United
Saturday, January 24 | 15:00 | Kafubu Stadium, Luanshya
Roan United host Kitwe United in a contest between two sides searching for renewed momentum. Roan sit third on the table with 34 points but come into the match on a worrying run of four losses and a draw. Despite that slump, their league position underlines the quality within the squad.
Kitwe United, 11th with 20 points, have also struggled, managing just one win in their last five matches. Roan hold the psychological edge, having won the only previous meeting between the sides away from home. With promotion still within reach, Roan will view this fixture as an opportunity to reignite their campaign.
Sunday Fixtures
FC Locus vs Trident FC
Sunday, January 25 | 15:00 | Nationalist Stadium
Trident FC will be favourites when they face FC Locus in Lusaka. The visitors claimed a 2–0 victory in the reverse fixture and sit fourth on the table with 33 points, firmly in the promotion mix.
FC Locus, 15th with 17 points, have shown flashes of improvement, winning two of their last five matches. Trident’s hopes rest on leading scorer Nicholas Chipyoka, while Locus will look to Nicholas Thomas Zulu, on loan from Sporting Lusaka, to spark an upset.
Aguila Stars vs Atletico Lusaka
Sunday, January 25 | 15:00 | REIZ Arena
Two mid-table sides lock horns at REIZ Arena with little separating them. Aguila Stars are eighth with 26 points, while Atletico Lusaka sit tenth on 20. Both teams boast identical recent form, with one win apiece from their last five matches.
Aguila will lean on the experience of 2012 AFCON winner Chisamba Lungu, alongside attacking threats Kalola Manda Sichivula and Keke Sipuka. Atletico, meanwhile, will rely on Edmond Lungu Banda, Raymond Mwiinga, and Moses Simpasa as they look to claim a valuable away victory.
Chipata City Council FC vs Jumulo FC
Sunday, January 25 | 15:00 | David Kaunda Stadium
Chipata City Council and Jumulo FC meet in a closely fought lower-mid-table clash. Chipata won the only previous encounter 3–1 and will be keen to repeat that success at home.
Despite recent struggles, with no wins in their last five games, Chipata sit 13th on 19 points. Jumulo are just one point behind in 14th and arrive with slightly better form, making this fixture crucial in shaping the relegation picture.
Chirundu United vs Forest Rangers
Sunday, January 25 | 15:00 | Edwin Imboela Stadium
One of the standout fixtures of the weekend sees fifth-placed Chirundu United host sixth-placed Forest Rangers. Just one point separates the sides, and their previous meeting ended in a goalless draw.
Chirundu boast nine wins this season and have been difficult to break down, while Forest Rangers arrive with a balanced recent record of two wins, two losses and a draw. With both teams eyeing a late push into the top four, this encounter could have significant implications.
Midweek Action
Lumwana Radiants vs Mpulungu Harbour
Wednesday, January 28 | 15:00 | Lumwana Ground
Week 20 concludes with Lumwana Radiants hosting struggling Mpulungu Harbour. Lumwana, seventh on the table, will look to build on a strong recent run that has yielded three wins and a draw in their last five matches.
Mpulungu Harbour, rooted in 17th place, are winless in their last five and face an uphill battle. History slightly favours Lumwana, who have one win and two goalless draws from the last three meetings, and they will be confident of securing maximum points at home.
Week 20 Outlook
With promotion contenders under pressure to maintain momentum and several teams fighting to pull clear of danger, Week 20 promises compelling football across the country. As the margins continue to tighten, every goal, every save and every decision could define the season’s final outcome.
