The ZPL National League Week 20 fixtures delivered another round of high-stakes football, with significant implications at both ends of the table. With the league table now updated, the latest results have further shaped the promotion race, intensified the playoff chase, and deepened the relegation scrap as teams enter a decisive phase of the 2025/26 season.
Makeni All Stars remain top of the standings despite being held away, while Roan United and Kafue Celtic continue to apply pressure just behind them. At the bottom, Riverplate’s struggles persisted, while Locus FC and Mpulungu Harbour remain firmly in relegation danger.
Below is a detailed breakdown of each Week 20 result and what it means for the teams involved.
Roan United 2–1 Kitwe United
Roan United strengthened their promotion credentials with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Kitwe United, moving up to second place on 37 points after 19 matches. Goals from Emmanuel Muchinga and Jameson Njovu proved decisive as Roan continued their impressive home form, keeping pace with league leaders Makeni All Stars.
The win was crucial in keeping Roan firmly in the automatic promotion conversation, as it allowed them to remain level on points with Kafue Celtic but ahead on goal difference. A victory also ensured they capitalised on Trident dropping points earlier in the round, opening a slight cushion in the top four race.
For Kitwe United, the defeat left them 13th on 20 points, still hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. Benson Mfuzi’s goal briefly raised hopes, but another loss means Kitwe United remain without momentum, with every dropped point increasing pressure as the season progresses.
Chambishi 1–0 Riverplate
Chambishi boosted their survival hopes with a narrow but vital 1–0 victory over bottom-placed Riverplate at Chambishi Stadium. Ndonji Nkandu’s solitary strike was enough to secure all three points, lifting Chambishi to 10th position on 22 points.
The win provided breathing space for Chambishi, who now sit four points clear of the relegation zone. It also marked an important response following inconsistent results in recent weeks, giving them renewed confidence heading into the business end of the season.
Riverplate, however, remain rooted at the foot of the table on 13 points after 19 games. The loss further dented their survival prospects, leaving them with a mountain to climb as time continues to run out in their fight to avoid relegation.
Locus FC 0–2 Trident
Trident returned to winning ways with a convincing 2–0 away victory over Locus FC, courtesy of a Brian Musema brace. The result pushed Trident to fourth place on 36 points, keeping them firmly in the playoff and promotion discussion.
The win was particularly important after mixed results in previous rounds, restoring belief within the Trident camp and ensuring they remain within touching distance of the top three. With consistency proving decisive in the National League, Trident’s ability to collect points on the road could be crucial.
Locus FC’s situation, however, continues to deteriorate. They remain 16th on 17 points, deep in the relegation zone. Another home defeat highlighted their defensive fragility and lack of cutting edge, leaving them increasingly reliant on results elsewhere to keep their survival hopes alive.
Chirundu United 1–0 Forest Rangers
Chirundu United recorded a massive 1–0 win over Forest Rangers, with Onesmus Chipango scoring the decisive goal. The victory lifted Chirundu to fifth place on 36 points, level with Trident but behind on goal difference.
The result reinforced Chirundu’s credentials as genuine promotion contenders, especially with a game in hand over several teams above them. A win against a direct rival further strengthened their position and kept them firmly in the race for a top-four finish.
Forest Rangers, meanwhile, remain sixth on 32 points after 20 games. While still within touching distance of the playoff spots, the loss was a setback that reduced their margin for error, making upcoming fixtures increasingly critical if they are to stay in contention.
Ndola United 1–1 Makeni All Stars
League leaders Makeni All Stars were held to a 1–1 draw by Ndola United in Ndola, but the point was enough to keep them top of the table on 43 points. Mike Msukuma found the net for Makeni, while Nchimunya Munene converted from the penalty spot for Ndola United.
The draw extended Makeni’s unbeaten run and maintained their advantage at the summit, though it also allowed chasing teams to slightly close the gap. While not a perfect result, an away point against a desperate side was still valuable in the context of the title race.
Ndola United moved to 14th on 19 points, with the draw providing a morale boost in their fight for survival. However, they remain perilously close to the relegation zone, and failing to turn draws into wins could prove costly.
Aguila Stars 1–1 Atletico Lusaka
Aguila Stars and Atletico Lusaka shared the spoils in a 1–1 draw, with Moses Phiri scoring for Aguila and Edmond Lungu Banda replying for Atletico Lusaka. The result saw Aguila Stars move to eighth on 27 points.
The draw maintained Aguila’s mid-table status, keeping them within reach of the top six but also highlighting their inconsistency this season. While avoiding defeat was positive, dropped points at home limited their ability to mount a serious promotion push.
Atletico Lusaka climbed to 12th on 21 points, with the away draw offering some relief in their survival battle. Every point remains vital, and this result could prove important if the relegation fight goes down to the wire.
Chipata City Council 3–2 Jumulo
Chipata City Council claimed a thrilling 3–2 victory over Jumulo in one of the matches of the weekend. Goals from Maliki Salifu and a brace from Nsama Mukalula sealed the win, while Binotynho Musonda scored twice for Jumulo.
The victory lifted Chipata City Council to 11th on 22 points, creating valuable distance from the relegation zone. The attacking display will boost confidence as they aim to secure safety early and avoid late-season drama.
For Jumulo, the defeat was another damaging blow, leaving them 15th on 18 points. Despite scoring twice away from home, defensive lapses proved costly, and their position just above the drop zone remains extremely precarious.
Indeni 0–0 Kafue Celtic
Indeni and Kafue Celtic played out a goalless draw, a result with contrasting implications for both sides. Kafue Celtic remain third on 37 points, keeping them firmly in the promotion hunt despite missing an opportunity to move into second place.
While the draw extended Celtic’s unbeaten run, it also represented a missed chance to apply maximum pressure on Makeni All Stars. In a tight promotion race, dropped points could become decisive.
Indeni moved to ninth on 24 points, with the clean sheet providing stability but little momentum. The result keeps them safely mid-table for now, though consistency will be required to avoid being dragged into danger.
Lumwana Radiants vs Mpulungu Harbour (To Be Played Wednesday)
The Week 20 fixture between Lumwana Radiants and Mpulungu Harbour has been rescheduled for Wednesday, 27 January 2026. Lumwana currently sit seventh on 29 points, while Mpulungu Harbour are 17th on 14 points.
For Lumwana, a win would strengthen their push towards the top six and keep them within touching distance of the promotion places. Mpulungu Harbour, however, desperately need maximum points to revive their survival hopes.
The outcome of this fixture could significantly impact both ends of the table, making it one of the most important matches of the week despite the postponement.
