ZPL National League Week 31: Tight Margins Define Promotion and Survival Races
As the Zambia National League edges toward its conclusion, Week 31 brought tension, drama, and defining moments. The top four remain tightly packed in the race for promotion to the MTN Super League, while the bottom four are fighting for their lives. From key away wins to relegation six-pointers, every result this week came with significant implications.
Kafue Eagles 1-2 Mines United
Scorers:
Mines United pulled off a crucial away victory over a desperate Kafue Eagles side. The win moved them to 56 points, consolidating third position on the log and staying firmly in the promotion zone with three games left to play. The result also extended their unbeaten run, showing that they are peaking at just the right time.
For Kafue Eagles, the loss was a significant blow in their bid to survive relegation. With just 32 points and sitting in 15th place, their margin for error is now razor-thin. Despite a strong individual effort from Mapande Kamima, their inability to defend at home leaves them in serious danger of slipping into the bottom three.
Kansanshi Dynamos 0-0 Kitwe United
Second-placed Kansanshi Dynamos were held to a goalless draw by a resilient Kitwe United. While the result kept Kansanshi at 59 points, they failed to close the gap on leaders Konkola Blades and now face increased pressure with one game in hand. Their promotion chances still look strong, but back-to-back draws could invite pressure from Mines United and Riverplate.
Kitwe United, currently 9th on 38 points, may be mathematically out of the promotion picture, but the draw away to Kansanshi shows their commitment to finishing strong. Their defensive display frustrated one of the league’s most consistent sides, and they now have a solid platform to push into the top eight.
Jumulo 0-0 Konkola Blades
Konkola Blades were held to a frustrating stalemate away to Jumulo. The result leaves them on 63 points, four clear at the summit, but they missed the opportunity to edge closer to securing promotion. The log leaders remain favourites to go up, but any slip-up in the final rounds could cost them their long-held position.
For Jumulo, the draw pushed them to 40 points, keeping them in 7th place. It was a disciplined performance against a top-tier opponent, and they showed that they can compete with the league’s elite. A top-six finish remains within their reach.
Aguila Stars 1-1 Leopards Hill
Scorers:
Aguila Stars were unable to capitalize on home advantage, settling for a draw that moved them to 38 points in 8th place. With the top six starting to pull away, they’ll need maximum points in the remaining matches to stay in contention for a strong league finish.
Leopards Hill, meanwhile, remain bottom of the table on 24 points, and the draw does little to improve their relegation prospects. Nathan Phiri’s goal provided a glimmer of hope, but their fragile defense continues to be a major problem, and the gap between them and safety remains daunting with just three games left.
Trident 0-0 Riverplate
In a clash of promotion hopefuls, Trident and Riverplate played out a tense 0-0 draw. The result kept Riverplate in 4th place on 52 points, clinging to the final promotion slot. They remain in control of their fate, but they’ll need to return to winning ways quickly if they are to fend off Trident and others chasing from behind.
Trident, on the other hand, are now just one point behind Riverplate in 5th place with 51 points. Despite the missed opportunity to leapfrog their rivals, the point keeps them firmly in the promotion discussion and adds even more intensity to the final three weeks.
Chipata United 2-3 Ndola United
Scorers:
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Chipata United: Dickson Banda, Saulos Banda
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Ndola United: Benson Mulenga, Shadrick Phiri, Nason Chalaba
Ndola United earned a vital away win that could define their season. Their comeback victory lifted them to 34 points and 13th place, giving them breathing room above the drop zone. The three points were not just timely—they were necessary, especially against a direct relegation rival.
For Chipata United, the loss was devastating. Despite scoring twice at home, they fell short once again, stuck in 17th place with 25 points. Their defense continues to leak goals, and unless they win their remaining matches, they may find themselves relegated to the provincial leagues.
Young Green Buffaloes 2-2 Kafue Celtic
Scorers:
A thrilling draw between two struggling sides kept both teams stuck in dangerous territory. Young Green Buffaloes moved to 33 points, just one above the relegation zone in 14th place. Aubrey Chellah’s brace showed their attacking potential, but defensive lapses continue to be their Achilles’ heel.
Kafue Celtic remain in 16th place with 30 points, and they now need nothing short of a perfect finish to have any hope of survival. Despite scoring twice away from home, their inability to secure a win makes their situation increasingly dire.
Updated Standings Snapshot
Conclusion
With only three weeks remaining, every match is now a final. The race for promotion is closer than ever, with just four points separating first and fourth. Meanwhile, the relegation dogfight promises drama until the last day. Whether fighting for the MTN Super League or survival, clubs now have no margin for error.
