Matchweek 8 of the 2025/26 MTN Super League promises drama at both ends of the table, with relegation battles, top-four clashes and title ambitions all intertwining. With Zanaco currently leading the standings on 15 points and Mines United rooted at the bottom with just one, every fixture this weekend carries significance. From teams fighting to stay in CAF contention to others simply battling for survival, this weekend could reshape the entire log.
Below, we break down each fixture with two key questions — what does a win mean? And what happens if they lose or draw?
Mufulira Wanderers (7th) 🆚 Nkwazi FC (15th)
📍 Shinde Stadium | Fri 17 Oct 2025 | 15:00
Mufulira Wanderers enter Week 8 in 7th place with 11 points, and a home win would potentially push them into the Top 5 depending on other results. Their recent form has been inconsistent, but a victory at Shinde Stadium could ignite a real push toward continental qualification position. The fans will demand a stronger attacking output, especially against a team in the bottom three.
For Nkwazi FC, sitting 15th with just 4 points and still winless after seven games, this fixture is nothing short of a survival battle. A defeat could drag them deeper into relegation danger, especially with Kansanshi and Nkana just below them. A draw keeps them alive, but a win could lift them as high as 12th — a crucial psychological boost before the pressure begins to mount.
Green Buffaloes (5th) 🆚 Nchanga Rangers (3rd)
📍 Edwin Imboela | Sat 18 Oct 2025 | 15:00
This is the standout clash of the weekend — two Top 5 sides battling for early-season supremacy. Green Buffaloes sit 5th on 11 points, and a win at home would launch them into the Top 3, overtaking Nchanga in the process. They have struggled to find rhythm in recent games, alternating between wins and losses, but Imboela will demand a response.
Nchanga Rangers, currently 3rd with 13 points, know that a win could potentially send them top of the table depending on Zanaco and Arrows’ results. However, defeat could see them drop out of the Top 4 entirely in what is an extremely tight early-season race. A draw wouldn’t be disastrous, but both teams know that this is a statement fixture.
Mines United (18th) 🆚 FC MUZA (6th)
📍 Godfrey Chitalu Stadium | Sat 18 Oct 2025 | 15:00
Bottom-placed Mines United are in crisis with just 1 point and six defeats in seven matches. Anything less than a victory keeps them rooted at the bottom and already staring at relegation by October. Their defense has conceded 16 goals, the worst in the league, and they face one of the most structured teams in FC MUZA.
Muza, sitting 6th with 11 points, were early title contenders before dropping points in recent weeks. A win keeps them within touching distance of the Top 4, while a draw risks them being overtaken by Eagles and Konkola. This fixture presents a perfect opportunity to regain confidence — but Mines will be fighting for survival, making it a potential trap game.
Konkola Blades (10th) 🆚 Zanaco FC (1st)
📍 Konkola Stadium | Sun 19 Oct 2025 | 15:00
Konkola Blades, currently in 10th with 9 points, have shown resilience this season but face their biggest challenge yet as league leaders Zanaco come to town. A win would propel them into the Top 7 and send a strong message that they are more than just mid-table dwellers. However, anything less than a perfect performance could be punished by the league’s most consistent side.
Zanaco remain top with 15 points and unbeaten after seven games. A win maintains their lead at the summit, while a draw could see Arrows leapfrog them if they win their CAF-delayed fixture. Defeat wouldn’t change their league position immediately but would open the title race wide open. This is a pressure test for both teams.
Mutondo Stars (12th) 🆚 Kabwe Warriors (4th)
📍 Arthur Davies | Sun 19 Oct 2025 | 15:00
Mutondo Stars sit 12th with 8 points and desperately need consistency. A home win could lift them into the top half of the table, but another defeat could see them dragged closer to the relegation fight as Nkwazi and Kansanshi attempt to rise. Their biggest concern is goal-scoring — just 3 goals in seven games.
Kabwe Warriors, 4th with 12 points, are quietly putting together a title charge. A win keeps them on the heels of Zanaco and Arrows, while a draw risks losing ground to Muza and Buffaloes. Defeat would be a major setback to their early momentum — especially against a struggling side. Warriors have no margin for error.
Green Eagles (9th) 🆚 Nkana FC (17th)
📍 Independence Stadium | Sun 19 Oct 2025 | 13:00
Green Eagles, in 9th with 9 points, have hovered between impressive wins and disappointing losses. A win at home could push them into the Top 6, while a draw keeps them stuck in mid-table limbo. This fixture is a perfect chance to establish control early.
Nkana FC, one of Zambia’s biggest clubs, are in deep trouble — 17th with just 4 points and no win. A loss here could see them bottom depending on Mines’ result. A draw would change little. Only a win can begin to restore belief at the legendary club. This is not just Week 8 — this is an identity test for Nkana.
Red Arrows (2nd) 🆚 FC Leopards (14th)
📍 Nkoloma Stadium | Sun 19 Oct 2025 | 15:00
Red Arrows, 2nd with 14 points and one game in hand, are breathing down Zanaco’s neck. A win keeps them on track for top spot once they complete their CAF fixture. A draw would stall their momentum, and defeat could see them drop to as low as 5th depending on other results. Arrows need to stay ruthless.
FC Leopards sit 14th with just 5 points and no wins this season. Facing a title-contender away is a brutal scenario, but three points could lift them as high as 11th. A draw would be considered a mini-victory, but anything less deepens their relegation fears. This is high risk, high pressure.
🚫 CAF Duty – Matches Postponed
Both sides will miss domestic action this weekend as they represent Zambia on the continental stage. Their absence will temporarily alter league standings but risk losing ground if rivals capitalize.
Week 8 isn’t just another round it’s a turning point. For teams like Zanaco, Arrows and Nchanga, it’s about tightening their grip on the title race. For Nkana, Mines United and Nkwazi, it’s about survival. With CAF distractions for Power Dynamos and ZESCO, others have a chance to steal ground. By Monday, the table
