ZPL National League Week 14 Fixtures
As the National League approaches Week 14, every fixture on the schedule carries high stakes for promotion and survival battles. Teams like Konkola Blades and Kansanshi Dynamos continue their intense race for the top spot, while those in the relegation zone, such as Chipata United and Kafue Eagles, are fighting to stay afloat. With only a few points separating the mid-table sides, this weekend’s matches promise intense action and potential shake-ups across the standings.
Here’s a detailed analysis of the upcoming fixtures and what’s at stake for each team:
Leopards Hill vs Aguila Stars (Independence Stadium, 13:00)
This game is a six-pointer in the relegation fight. Both Leopards Hill and Aguila Stars are level on points (14), with goal difference separating them. A win would provide some breathing room from the relegation zone, while a loss could drag the loser closer to the bottom three. Leopards Hill will hope their home ground advantage counts, while Aguila Stars aim to capitalize on recent defensive frailties from their opponents.
Kafue Celtics vs Young Green Buffaloes (Independence Stadium, 15:00)
Kafue Celtics sit perilously in 16th place, needing to find form to escape the drop. They face 10th-placed Young Green Buffaloes, who aim to leap into the top half with a victory. The Celtics’ dismal defensive record (16 goals conceded) must improve if they are to challenge a solid Buffaloes team that sees this as an opportunity to consolidate their position in the middle of the table.
Prison Leopards vs Chambishi (President Stadium, 15:00)
Prison Leopards are in the thick of the promotion race, sitting third with 25 points. This is a must-win for them to maintain pressure on Kansanshi Dynamos and Konkola Blades. Chambishi, in 14th place, will have to pull off an upset to ease relegation worries. Anything less than a victory for the Leopards would be seen as a setback in their quest for promotion.
Kitwe United vs Kansanshi Dynamos (Garden Park, 15:00)
Kansanshi Dynamos, second in the standings, aim to keep pace with leaders Konkola Blades. Kitwe United, just two points above the relegation zone, are desperate for a result to avoid slipping into deeper trouble. This match pits one of the league’s best defenses (Kansanshi, 10 goals conceded) against a struggling Kitwe attack.
Mines United vs Kafue Eagles (Railway Stadium, 15:00)
Mines United, sitting fifth, have an excellent opportunity to strengthen their promotion push against bottom-placed Kafue Eagles, who are still searching for their first win. For Kafue Eagles, every game is now a must-win to avoid falling further behind. A victory for Mines would keep them within touching distance of the top four.
Ndola United vs Chipata United (Musa Kasonka Stadium, 15:00)
This is a critical encounter between 11th-placed Ndola United and 17th-placed Chipata United, who have 10 points. Chipata will be desperate to secure a win to keep their slim hopes of climbing out of the relegation zone alive. Ndola, on the other hand, will aim to widen the gap from the bottom three and move closer to mid-table safety. With Chipata struggling defensively, Ndola might have the edge, especially playing at home.
Mpulungu Harbour vs Chirundu United (Mazabwera, 15:00)
Mpulungu Harbour are currently in fourth place and will see this as a must-win fixture to solidify their promotion credentials. Chirundu United, in eighth, could use a win to move closer to the top six. With Mpulungu unbeaten at home this season, they are favorites to grab three points.
Konkola Blades vs Jumulo (Konkola Stadium, 15:00)
League leaders Konkola Blades are unbeaten in their last six matches and face 6th-placed Jumulo in a critical game. A win for the Blades would solidify their position at the summit, while Jumulo needs a victory to revive their fading promotion hopes. The pressure is on Jumulo to upset the form book.
Sunday, 24th November 2024
River Plates vs Trident (Independence Stadium, 15:00)
This mid-table clash is crucial for both sides to maintain momentum. River Plates (7th) and Trident (9th) are separated by just two points. A win for River Plates could push them closer to the top five, while Trident must secure three points to break into the upper half of the standings.
The promotion battle is intensifying, with Konkola Blades (30 points) and Kansanshi Dynamos (28 points) setting the pace. Prison Leopards and Mpulungu Harbour are also in contention, while teams like Chambishi and Kitwe United fight for survival. Every fixture this weekend carries significant stakes, ensuring an action-packed round of matches.
