Week 26 Results Shake Up ZPL National League Standings

ZPL National League Week 26: Key Results and Updated Standings

The ZPL National League delivered another round of captivating football in Week 26, with title hopefuls aiming to keep pace at the top and relegation-threatened sides desperate for points at the bottom. Below is a comprehensive look at each result, how it affects the league standings, and what it might mean for the remainder of the season.

Week 26 Results

1. Kansanshi Dynamos 1–0 Chipata United
   Scorer: Rabson Mumba
2. Kitwe United 1–2 Chambishi
   Scorers: Shadreck Musonda (Kitwe U) | Diba Mulenga, Fred Mwila (Chambishi)
3. Kafue Eagles 1–1 Young Green Buffaloes
   Scorers: Ben Chengo (Kafue Eagles) | Stephen Malama (Young GBFC)
4. Ndola United 1–0 Riverplate
   Scorer: Nason Chabala
5. Mpulungu Harbour 2–1 Kafue Celtic
   Scorers: Ackim Tembo, Innocent Nkhoma (Mpulungu) | Eliya Mandanji (Kafue Celtic)
6. Konkola Blades 2–0 Aguila Stars
   Scorers: Emmanuel Chikaza, Justine Mwanza
7. Prison Leopards 1–0 Leopards Hill
   Scorer: Landu Miete
8. Jumulo 1–0 Chirundu United
   Scorer: Esau Musamba
9. Mines United 1–1 Trident
   Scorers: Nicholas Mulilo (Mines) | Kelvin Mavinga (Trident)

ZPL: National  League Table

Match-by-Match Review

Kansanshi Dynamos 1–0 Chipata United

Scorer: Rabson Mumba
Kansanshi Dynamos extended their strong run with a narrow 1–0 victory over bottom-placed Chipata United. This result moves them to 54 points, keeping them firmly in second place and well within striking distance of leaders Konkola Blades. Chipata United’s plight deepens, as they remain on 20 points, struggling to close the gap on the teams above them.

Kitwe United 1–2 Chambishi

Scorers: Shadreck Musonda (Kitwe), Diba Mulenga, Fred Mwila (Chambishi)
In a thrilling encounter, Chambishi pulled off a 2–1 away win over Kitwe United. The victory sees Chambishi climb to 29 points, boosting their hopes of avoiding relegation. Kitwe United, now on 30 points, missed an opportunity to solidify their mid-table status and could find themselves drawn into a survival battle if they continue to drop points.

Kafue Eagles 1–1 Young Green Buffaloes

Scorers: Ben Chengo (Kafue Eagles), Stephen Malama (Young GBFC)
Both teams settled for a draw in this relegation six-pointer, with Kafue Eagles moving to 31 points and Young Green Buffaloes up to 29 points. The single point doesn’t significantly ease either side’s worries, but it prevents them from falling closer to the bottom. Young GBFC remain just above Chambishi on goal difference, making every result crucial in the coming weeks.

Ndola United 1–0 Riverplate

Scorer: Nason Chabala
Ndola United earned a vital 1–0 home win over Riverplate, climbing to 31 points. Riverplate stay on 43 points and lose ground in the battle for a top-three finish. This upset underscores the league’s unpredictability, with Ndola United’s victory providing a major boost in their quest to move away from relegation concerns.

Mpulungu Harbour 2–1 Kafue Celtic

Scorers: Ackim Tembo, Innocent Nkhoma (Mpulungu), Eliya Mandanji (Kafue Celtic)
Mpulungu Harbour claimed a crucial 2–1 win, lifting them to 36 points and keeping them in a comfortable mid-table position. Kafue Celtic, on 25 points, remain stuck near the bottom. The result highlights Mpulungu’s steady form, while Celtic’s defensive struggles continue to cost them valuable points.

Konkola Blades 2–0 Aguila Stars

Scorers: Emmanuel Chikaza, Justine Mwanza
League leaders Konkola Blades strengthened their hold at the top with a 2–0 victory, moving to 58 points. Aguila Stars, on 32 points, found it difficult to contain the Blades’ attacking firepower. This win maintains Konkola’s lead over Kansanshi Dynamos, showcasing their consistency in the title race.

Prison Leopards 1–0 Leopards Hill

Scorer: Landu Miete
Prison Leopards edged Leopards Hill 1–0, climbing to 41 points and reinforcing their ambitions of a top-four finish. Leopards Hill remain in 17th place with 23 points, struggling to escape the relegation zone. With time running out, every missed opportunity inches Leopards Hill closer to the drop.

Jumulo 1–0 Chirundu United

Scorer: Esau Musamba
Jumulo earned a narrow 1–0 victory over Chirundu United, moving to 35 points and further consolidating their mid-table standing. Chirundu United, at 28 points, remain perilously close to the relegation battle. This result emphasizes Jumulo’s resilience, while Chirundu’s inability to find an equalizer keeps them in the lower half.

Mines United 1–1 Trident

Scorers: Nicholas Mulilo (Mines), Kelvin Mavinga (Trident)
In a tense battle for top-four positioning, Mines United and Trident settled for a 1–1 draw. Mines United, on 44 points, maintain their slight advantage over Riverplate for third place. Trident, at 40 points, stay in sixth, still in contention for a higher finish. The draw reflects both teams’ strong defensive organization, with neither side willing to concede easy opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• Konkola Blades remain in command at the summit, showcasing their title credentials with another confident win.
• Kansanshi Dynamos keep up the chase, closing the gap to four points after beating bottom side Chipata United.
• Mines United and Riverplate stumble slightly, allowing Prison Leopards to gain ground in the top-four race.
• Relegation battles intensify as Chambishi, Kafue Celtic, and Leopards Hill all look for vital points. Chipata United remain anchored at the bottom, with time running out to spark a late escape.

Conclusion

Week 26 in the ZPL National League delivered crucial results at both ends of the table, from Konkola Blades extending their lead to Kafue Celtic and Leopards Hill losing ground in their survival fight. With only a few matches left, the competition will only grow fiercer as clubs either chase promotion or scramble to avoid relegation. Expect even more drama in the coming weeks as the ZPL National League enters a pivotal stage of the season.