By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 15th December 2025
The ZPL National League produced decisive outcomes in the rescheduled Week 9 fixtures, with promotion contenders strengthening their positions while teams at the bottom found themselves under increased pressure. With the league table already updated after these games, the results further clarified the separation between the title challengers, ABSA Cup qualifiers, and relegation-threatened sides.
Several clubs not only picked up crucial points but also confirmed their qualification for the 2025/26 ABSA Cup, underlining the importance of consistency in the first half of the campaign. Goals flowed freely in some fixtures, while others were decided by fine margins.
Below is a detailed breakdown of all the rescheduled Week 9 matches, including goal scorers, league positions, points, and what each result meant for the teams involved.
Lumwana Radiants 5–0 Ndola United
Lumwana Radiants delivered one of the most dominant performances of the season as they thrashed Ndola United 5–0. The goals came through Charles Lubasi, Richard Zulu, Philip Kabwela, and a brace from Fred Kumwenda, as Lumwana completely outclassed their opponents from start to finish.
The emphatic victory kept Lumwana Radiants in 5th position with 29 points from 17 matches, level on points with Trident and Forest Rangers. The result strengthened their push for a top-four finish and confirmed their status as one of the most dangerous attacking sides in the league this season.
For Ndola United, the heavy defeat compounded an already difficult campaign. They remain 17th on the table with 11 points from 15 games, firmly inside the relegation zone. The loss further dented their survival hopes and highlighted the defensive frailties that continue to haunt them.
Kafue Celtic 4–0 Riverplate
Kafue Celtic were ruthless at home as they cruised to a convincing 4–0 victory over Riverplate. Musa Chiwaya opened the scoring, Mulenga Chiluba netted twice, and Jonathan Chilimina added the fourth to cap off a commanding display.
The win saw Kafue Celtic maintain 4th place with 30 points from 17 matches, keeping them firmly inside the promotion places. The result also confirmed Celtic’s qualification for the 2025/26 ABSA Cup, rewarding their consistent performances throughout the first round of the season.
Riverplate, on the other hand, remain rooted in the relegation zone. They sit 16th with 13 points from 17 games, and the defeat further exposed the gap between them and the league’s top sides as the survival battle intensifies.
Forest Rangers 2–1 Trident
Forest Rangers picked up a crucial victory after edging Trident 2–1 in a tightly contested encounter. Saviour Kunda gave Forest Rangers the lead, Idriss Kisha doubled the advantage, while Nicholas Chipoya scored Trident’s consolation goal.
The result lifted Forest Rangers to 7th place with 29 points from 17 matches, keeping them within touching distance of the promotion and ABSA Cup qualification spots. The win was particularly important as it came against a direct rival in the top half of the table.
Despite the defeat, Trident remain competitive in the promotion race. They are 6th with 29 points, and while the loss slowed their momentum, they remain well placed to challenge for both a top-four finish and ABSA Cup qualification.
Aguila Stars 3–2 Indeni
Aguila Stars emerged victorious in a thrilling five-goal encounter, edging Indeni 3–2. Keke Sipuka, Patience Chipembe, and Chisamba Lungu found the net for Aguila, while Logic Ching’andu and Stephen Musonda replied for Indeni.
The victory moved Aguila Stars up to 8th place with 26 points from 17 matches, keeping them firmly in the top half of the table. The result also kept them in contention for a late push towards ABSA Cup qualification if they maintain consistency.
Indeni remain 9th with 22 points, and while they showed attacking intent, the defeat stalled their progress. Dropping points in such matches could prove costly as the race for the top half tightens.
Roan United 0–1 Chirundu United
Chirundu United claimed a vital away victory over Roan United thanks to a decisive strike from Joseph Chilimina, securing a narrow 1–0 win in a high-stakes clash.
The result saw Chirundu United move into 3rd place with 33 points from 17 matches, level on points with Roan United but ahead on goal difference. The win also confirmed Chirundu’s qualification for the 2025/26 ABSA Cup, underlining their strong title credentials.
Roan United remain 2nd with 33 points, and despite the loss, they are still firmly in the promotion race. However, the defeat slightly reduced their margin at the top and increased pressure heading into the next round of fixtures.
Kitwe United 0–2 Chambishi
Chambishi recorded an important away win after defeating Kitwe United 2–0. Andrew Phiri opened the scoring, before Fred Mwila sealed the result with a second goal.
The victory lifted Chambishi to 13th place with 15 points from 16 matches, giving them a much-needed boost in their fight to move away from the relegation zone. The three points could prove vital as the season progresses.
Kitwe United remain 10th with 19 points from 16 games, and the loss slowed their mid-table momentum. They will need a quick response to avoid being dragged into the bottom-half battle.
Makeni All Stars 3–1 Locus FC
League leaders Makeni All Stars continued their impressive campaign with a 3–1 victory over Locus FC. Ronald Phiri, Mike Msukuma, and Issac Mazulu scored for Makeni, while John Shumba netted the consolation goal for Locus FC.
The win strengthened Makeni All Stars’ grip at the summit as they moved to 38 points from 17 matches, extending their lead at the top of the table. The result also confirmed Makeni’s qualification for the 2025/26 ABSA Cup, adding to their growing list of achievements this season.
Locus FC remain bottom of the table in 18th place with just eight points from 15 matches, and the defeat further deepened their relegation struggles.
Mpulungu Harbour 0–0 Jumulo
Mpulungu Harbour and Jumulo shared the spoils in a goalless draw, with both sides failing to convert their chances in a tightly contested encounter.
The draw leaves Mpulungu Harbour in 15th place with 13 points from 15 matches, still hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. While the point offers some relief, they will need wins to pull clear.
Jumulo remain 14th with 15 points from 17 games, and the draw did little to improve their position. Both teams remain involved in the survival battle as the season moves forward.
ABSA CUP QUALIFICATION UPDATE
Following the rescheduled Week 9 fixtures, Makeni All Stars, Roan United, Chirundu United, and Kafue Celtic have all officially qualified for the 2025/26 ABSA Cup, with other teams still fighting to secure the remaining qualification slots.
