Week 19 of the ZPL National League brought clear shifts on the log table, with results at both ends of the standings sharpening the promotion race and intensifying the relegation battle.
At the summit, Makeni All Stars remained firmly in control with 42 points from 19 matches, and they underlined their title credentials with a crucial 2–1 away win over Kitwe United.
Goals from Elijah Muntanga (51′) and Mike Musukuma (54′) proved decisive, giving Makeni breathing space at the top despite a late response from Mordecai Kabwenga (78′) for Kitwe United.
The biggest leap this week came from Kafue Celtic, who climbed into second place on 36 points. Their rise was powered by a disciplined 1–0 victory over Lumwana Radiants, settled by Mulenga Chiluba’s 46th-minute strike.
The win sees Celtic strengthen their grip on a promotion slot, opening a three-point cushion over the chasing pack.
Behind them, the race remains tight. Roan United FC (3rd, 33 points), Trident FC (4th, 33 points) and Chirundu United (5th, 33 points) are separated only by goal difference. Trident’s position improved after their 2–1 win over Chirundu United, with Nicholas Chipoya (8′) and Jackson Silwimba (27′) scoring early before Joseph Chilimina (14′) briefly pulled Chirundu back into the contest.
Forest Rangers continue to quietly gather momentum, moving up to 6th place on 32 points. Their emphatic 3–0 win against Indeni FC was one of the standout performances of the weekend, with goals from Idriss Kisha (27′), Saviour Kunda (39′), and Progress Malama (57′) showcasing both attacking depth and defensive solidity.
In mid-table, Lumwana Radiants drop to 7th (29 points) after their narrow defeat, while Aguila Stars (8th, 26 points) remain within touching distance of the top six.
The relegation battle also saw notable movement. Jumulo FC climbed to 13th place on 18 points, edging out of the drop zone thanks to Binotynho Musonda’s lightning-fast goal in the 2nd minute against Chambishi FC. The narrow 1–0 victory offers renewed hope as the season reaches its decisive phase.
Below them, Chipata City Council FC (14th, 18 points) remain level on points but inside the danger zone on goal difference, while Locus FC (15th, 17 points) boosted their survival push with a vital 1–0 away win at River Plate, courtesy of Daniel Phiri’s 10th-minute strike.
At the bottom, Ndola United (16th, 17 points), Mpulungu Harbour (17th, 14 points) and River Plate (18th, 13 points) are under increasing pressure as the gap to safety begins to widen.
With Makeni All Stars setting the pace, Kafue Celtic surging, and the relegation scrap tightening, Week 19 has added fresh intrigue to what promises to be a dramatic run-in in the ZPL National League.
ZPL Men’s National League| Saturday, 17th January, 2026| Results |
Forest Rangers 3-0 Indeni FC
(Idriss Kisha 27′, Saviour Kunda 39′, Progress Malama 57′)
Jumulo FC1-0 Chambishi FC
(Binotynho Musonda 2′)
Kafue Celtics 1-0 Lumwana Radiants
(Mulenga Chiluba 46′)
Kitwe United 1-2 Makeni All Stars
(Mordecai Kabwenga 78′ | Elijah Muntanga 51′, Mike Musukuma 54’)
River Plate 0-1 Locus FC
(Daniel Phiri 10′)
Trident FC 2-1 Chirundu United
(Nicholas Chipoya 8′, Jackson Silwimba 27′ | Joseph Chilimina 14′)
