The race for promotion to Zambia’s National League is finely poised after a cagey opening day of the 2026 ZPL National League Playoffs in Lusaka, with only two men’s matches producing goals and several promotion hopefuls still waiting to make their tournament debut.
Twenty provincial champions have gathered in the capital for the week-long competition, with teams battling for places in the 2026/27 National League campaign.
Men’s Playoffs: Early Leaders Emerge
In Group A, Central Province champions Forest Myooye made the strongest opening statement as Justin Mwanza’s 40th-minute strike secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Barotse Crocs.
The result leaves Forest Myooye top of the group after Matchday One, while Solwezi Mushitala Stars and Mphande Youth Academy shared the spoils in a goalless draw.
Group B was equally competitive, with Mathkat United claiming the day’s other victory. Derrick Chongo’s 17th-minute goal proved decisive as the side edged Real Nakonde 1-0.
Meanwhile, Zambezi Portland and Nampundwe FC could not be separated in a scoreless encounter.
Several teams are still awaiting their first appearance after receiving opening-day byes. Play It Forward will enter the competition against Solwezi Mushitala Stars in Group A, while Mikalile FC begin their campaign against Nampundwe FC in Group B.
With Forest Myooye and Real Nakonde both resting on Matchday Two, the remaining fixtures could have a significant impact on the early standings.
Women’s Playoffs: Pirates Make Their Mark
The women’s competition produced more goals and drama, particularly in Group A where Nangweshi Pirates Queens staged an impressive display to defeat Samfya Rockets Women 3-2.
Cecilia Malambo was the star of the match, scoring twice in the 20th and 75th minutes, while Ngambo Chinoya added another before late goals from Patricia Mwale and Winfridah Kapambwe threatened a comeback for Samfya Rockets.
Power Dynamos Queens and Young Green Buffaloes Women played out a tense 0-0 draw in the group’s other fixture.
In Group B, Lanchu Queens came from behind to beat Lumwana Angels 2-1 after Tracy Shimuyobe had given the North-Western Province side an early lead. Goals from Esnat Chitafu and Beauty Chibuye turned the match around.
Clemsons Queens also began strongly, defeating Kum’wana Stars 1-0 thanks to Gift Mulenga’s second-half winner.
Matchday Two Takes Centre Stage
Attention now turns to a crucial second round of fixtures on Tuesday, with several provincial champions entering the tournament for the first time.
In the men’s category, Barotse Crocs face Mphande Youth Academy before Solwezi Mushitala Stars take on debutants Play It Forward in Group A. Group B sees Mathkat United attempt to build on their winning start against Zambezi Portland, while Nampundwe FC meet Mikalile FC.
The women’s competition will see Nangweshi Pirates Queens look to continue their momentum against Power Dynamos Queens, while Young Green Buffaloes Women face Barts Queens. In Group B, Clemsons Queens take on Lumwana Angels before Lanchu Queens meet Mwenzo Queens.
Promotion Stakes
The playoffs carry enormous significance for all participating teams.
In the men’s competition, the top two teams from each group will secure automatic promotion to the National League. A fifth promotion place will be awarded to the best-ranked team outside the top two positions across both groups.
The sixth-best team overall will then face Riverplate in a playoff for the final National League berth.
With promotion dreams on the line and margins already proving razor-thin, Matchday Two could provide the first major clues as to which clubs are ready to take the next step onto Zambia’s national football stage.
