Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 20 November 2025

The ZPL National League enters Week 15 with the standings tighter than ever, as the race for promotion and the battle to avoid relegation intensify. With just nine points separating the top seven teams, every match this weekend carries enormous weight for clubs fighting for survival or chasing the dream of MTN Super League football next season.

Week 15 opens with one fixture already completed Atletico Lusaka 1–1 Mpulungu Harbour  a result that keeps both teams in the middle and lower zones of the table. The rest of the fixtures set the stage for a crucial weekend, featuring clashes that could dramatically alter the standings.

Below is a full breakdown of every Week 15 match, including league positions, points, and what each result would mean.

RESULT ALREADY PLAYED

Atletico Lusaka 1–1 Mpulungu Harbour

(Edmond Lungu Banda ⚽ | Omarian Mutale ⚽)

Atletico Lusaka came into this fixture placed 10th on the table with 15 points, aiming to push closer to the top half. A draw keeps them on 16 points, meaning they remain stuck in the mid-table zone without making meaningful progress toward the promotion contenders above them.

For Mpulungu Harbour, who started the week in 13th with 12 points, the away draw pushes them to 13 points. This result is valuable in terms of morale but does little to lift them clear of the bottom-side traffic. With the bottom four teams all within touching distance, Mpulungu still faces major pressure heading deeper into the campaign.

Both teams will feel they dropped an opportunity. Atletico had the home advantage while Mpulungu desperately needed a win to open breathing space. The draw means both remain in uncertain territory heading into Week 16.

SATURDAY – 22 NOVEMBER 2025

Aguila Stars vs River Plate

Venue: REIZ Arena | 15:00

Aguila Stars sit 7th with 20 points, just five points behind the promotion positions. Victory here could lift them into the top six depending on other results, keeping them firmly in the conversation for a push towards the elite zone of the division. With newly appointed player-coach Chisamba Lungu, Aguila will be eager to continue building stability and momentum.

River Plate, on the other hand, are 16th with 10 points — dangerously close to relegation. A loss here could drop them even deeper into trouble, especially if Locus FC or Ndola United pick up points on Sunday. A win would take them to 13 points, giving them their best chance in weeks of stepping away from the red zone.

This match presents a contrast: Aguila chasing higher ambitions and River Plate battling for survival. The stakes are enormous for both, making this one of the most important fixtures of the weekend.

Indeni vs Chipata City Council

Venue: Indeni Sports Complex | 15:00

Indeni start the weekend in 9th place with 17 points, still within reach of the top half. A win would take them up to 20 points — enough to pressure Kafue Celtic and Aguila Stars depending on their results. This fixture gives Indeni a perfect opportunity to strengthen their mid-table stability.

Chipata City Council sit 12th with 14 points, needing victories to avoid being pulled into the lower-table battles. A win takes them to 17 points, potentially pushing them into the top 10. However, a defeat might leave them vulnerable, especially with teams below them desperate for points.

Both clubs are fighting for identity — Indeni looking up, Chipata trying not to look down. The points on offer carry huge significance heading into the final weeks before the halfway mark of the season.

Kitwe United vs Kafue Celtic

Venue: Garden Park Stadium | 15:00

Kitwe United, in 11th position with 15 points, will see this fixture as a chance to break into the top half. A win lifts them to 18 points, bringing them level with Indeni should the latter drop points. Kitwe have been competitive but inconsistent — this game is crucial in shaping their season direction.

Kafue Celtic are 8th with 20 points, and victory could move them into the top six if other results go their way. Celtic are still within touching distance of the leading pack and will not want to lose ground. A defeat, however, could see Aguila Stars leapfrog them, placing pressure on their upcoming fixtures.

This is a strong mid-table contest with significant implications for both. The winner could gain momentum heading towards December — the loser risks getting stranded.

Roan United vs Trident FC

Venue: Kafubu Stadium | 15:00

One of the biggest fixtures of Week 15 pits 2nd-placed Roan United (29 points) against 3rd-placed Trident FC (27 points). With Makeni All Stars also tied on 29 points at the top, Roan cannot afford to slip. A win keeps them level or potentially top depending on Makeni’s result on Sunday.

For Trident, this match carries massive weight. A win away in Luanshya would send them to 30 points — possibly top of the league if Makeni fail to win. A loss, however, could open a five-point gap between them and the top two, making their promotion race more difficult.

This is a direct promotion-shaping clash. Both teams know that three points here could define the trajectory of the season. Expect intensity, tactical discipline, and high stakes.

SUNDAY – 23 NOVEMBER 2025

Locus FC vs Ndola United

Venue: Nationalist Stadium | 15:00

This is a bottom-of-the-table six-pointer. Locus FC are 17th with 8 points, while Ndola United sit last with 7 points. The loser could find themselves in deeper relegation danger, especially if River Plate or Jumulo pick up points.

A win for Locus would take them to 11 points, moving them within reach of Chambishi and River Plate. Ndola United could rise to 10 points with victory, giving them renewed belief in escaping the drop zone.

These matches are season-defining for clubs in the relegation zone. Three points here are not just valuable — they are essential.

Chirundu United vs Chambishi FC

Venue: Edwin Imboela Stadium | 15:00

Chirundu United sit 5th with 25 points — only four points behind the promotion line. A victory pushes them to 28 points, keeping them firmly in the top-four conversation. With the league so tight at the top, Chirundu want to avoid falling behind the likes of Trident and Forest Rangers.

Chambishi FC are 15th with 10 points, hovering dangerously above the relegation zone. A win would take them to 13 points, offering much-needed breathing space. A defeat, however, could drag them right into the bottom three if Locus or Ndola United win.

There is pressure on both sides — Chirundu want to stay in the promotion chase, while Chambishi are fighting for survival.

Lumwana Radiants vs Jumulo FC

Venue: Lumwana Ground | 15:00

Lumwana Radiants are 6th with 22 points and remain well-positioned to make a climb into the top four. A win would take them to 25 points, potentially tying with Forest Rangers depending on Saturday’s results. They are one of the quiet contenders pushing for a surprise promotion run.

Jumulo FC are in 14th with 12 points, needing a victory to avoid falling into relegation trouble. A win moves them up to 15 points, possibly overtaking Mpulungu Harbour. A loss could keep them dangerously close to the bottom three.

The stakes are straightforward Lumwana chase promotion dreams, Jumulo fight to stay afloat.

Makeni All Stars vs Forest Rangers

Venue: REIZ Arena | 15:00

This is the headline fixture of the weekend. Makeni All Stars (29 points) and Forest Rangers (25 points) both sit inside the top four, making this a direct promotion challenger showdown. A win for Makeni could push them back to the top of the table, depending on Roan United’s result.

Forest Rangers, currently 4th, can close the gap to just one point with a victory. A loss, however, may allow Chirundu or Lumwana to overtake them, pushing them out of the top four.

This fixture will shape the top end of the standings, with both clubs aware of the massive implications.