By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 25 November 2025

ZPL National League Week 15 Results: Makeni All Stars March on as Title Race Tightens

Week 15 of the ZPL National League delivered another intense round of action as the battle for promotion tightened at both the top and bottom of the table. Leaders Makeni All Stars continued their impressive run, while contenders Roan United, Trident, and Chirundu United all dropped points. The relegation fight also grew more complicated as struggling sides Locus FC and Chambishi failed to secure victories.

Below is a full breakdown of every match, including league position context, points implications, and what the results mean moving forward.

MATCH-BY-MATCH ANALYSIS

Indeni FC 2-1 Chipata City Council

Goals: Jonathan Munalula (2) | William Bwalya

Indeni FC came into this fixture sitting 9th with 20 points, needing a strong result to stay within reach of the top eight. Their 2-1 win, powered by a brilliant brace from Jonathan Munalula, pushed them to 23 points, keeping their season alive and boosting confidence after a slow start to the campaign. The team showed composure and tactical discipline, especially in managing the game after taking the lead.

Chipata City Council, who entered Week 15 with 14 points and dangerously close to the relegation zone, once again failed to capitalize on their momentum. William Bwalya’s goal offered hope, but defensive lapses cost them dearly. With the loss, they remain stuck around the drop zone, and their poor away form continues to raise concern among supporters.

This result means Indeni tighten their mid-table position while Chipata’s survival hopes grow slimmer. Pressure is mounting for City Council to secure points urgently if they are to avoid slipping further into the relegation battle.

Lumwana Radiants 1-0 Jumulo

Goal: Thomas Mwanza

Lumwana Radiants started the weekend in 5th place with 25 points, fighting to remain in the promotion chase. Their narrow 1-0 home win, courtesy of Thomas Mwanza’s composed finish, pushed them to 28 points, keeping them firmly in contention for a top-three finish. Radiants showcased strong defensive organization and controlled the midfield for large stretches.

Jumulo, who entered this match in 14th place with concerns about their form, offered a spirited effort but once again lacked sharpness in the final third. Their inability to convert promising build-ups into goals continues to haunt them. With this loss, they remain near the danger zone and must address their scoring issues urgently.

Lumwana’s victory keeps them within touching distance of the top two, while Jumulo must regroup fast to avoid being dragged deeper into the relegation scrap.

Makeni All Stars 2-1 Forest Rangers

Goals: Kaumba Mwanga, Peter Soneka | Weta Boleke

League leaders Makeni All Stars, sitting on 32 points before kickoff, strengthened their grip at the top with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Forest Rangers. Goals from Kaumba Mwanga and Peter Soneka ensured Makeni moved to 35 points, widening their lead and reaffirming their status as strong promotion favourites. Their attacking rhythm and confidence continue to separate them from the chasing pack.

Forest Rangers, who began in 6th place with 25 points, battled well and pulled one back through Weta Boleke, but Makeni’s efficiency proved too strong. Despite the defeat, Forest remain in a respectable mid-table position, but inconsistencies against the big teams have slowed their rise.

This result reinforces Makeni All Stars’ dominant form, while Forest Rangers must respond quickly if they hope to keep pace with the top four.

Locus FC 0-2 Ndola United

Goals: Paul Halwindi, Parkie Nkhoma

Bottom-placed Locus FC entered Week 15 with just 8 points, and their struggles continued as they fell 2-0 to a revitalised Ndola United. Locus showed flashes of intensity but once again lacked structure and discipline, leaving them firmly anchored to the bottom of the table. Their winless run is becoming a major concern for the coaching staff and supporters alike.

Ndola United, who began the week in 17th with 10 points, climbed to 13 points with this crucial victory. Goals from Paul Halwindi and Parkie Nkhoma lifted morale within the squad and kept their survival hopes very much alive. This win narrows the gap between them and the teams just above the drop zone.

The result intensifies the relegation battle, with Ndola United keeping hope alive while Locus FC drift further into danger.

Kitwe United 1-1 Kafue Celtic

Goals: Musa Mulenga | Musa Chiwaya

Kitwe United, sitting mid-table with 16 points before this match, played out a balanced 1-1 draw against Kafue Celtic. Musa Mulenga opened the scoring with a confident strike, giving Kitwe early control. However, Celtic responded through Musa Chiwaya, ensuring the spoils were shared. The result leaves Kitwe on 17 points, still struggling to find winning consistency.

Kafue Celtic, who also began the weekend with 21 points, remain in the upper half of the table but will feel they missed an opportunity to close the gap on the top six. Their attacking build-up was encouraging, though finishing remains a concern as they push for a higher position.

Both sides remain competitive but must improve results if they hope to challenge for top-eight positions.

Roan United 1-1 Trident FC

Goals: Semiwe Mwila | Nicholas Chipoya

This was one of the most anticipated fixtures of the week, as 2nd-placed Roan United (30 points) faced 3rd-placed Trident FC (28 points). A tightly contested 1-1 draw ensued, with Semiwe Mwila and Nicholas Chipoya scoring for their respective sides. The result means Roan move to 31 points, while Trident rise to 29 points, keeping the gap narrow.

Roan United showcased good defensive discipline and maintained composure under pressure. However, they will feel they missed a chance to close in on Makeni All Stars. Trident, on the other hand, showed resilience, matching their opponents in intensity and possession.

This result keeps the promotion race extremely tight, with both sides firmly in pursuit of Makeni.

Atletico Lusaka 1-1 Mpulungu Harbour

Goals: Edmond Lungu Banda | Omarian Mutale

Atletico Lusaka entered Week 15 with 15 points and needed a strong home performance. Their 1-1 draw against Mpulungu Harbour keeps them hovering around the dangerous lower-mid-table zone. Edmond Lungu Banda’s goal gave them hope, but lapses at the back allowed Mpulungu’s Omarian Mutale to equalise.

Mpulungu Harbour, on 12 points before this fixture, will be pleased with a vital away point that lifts them slightly upward. Their ability to respond after falling behind shows growing mental strength, something they have lacked earlier in the season.

Both teams remain in a precarious position but will take the positives as they continue to fight for stability.

Aguila Stars 0-0 River Plate

Aguila Stars and River Plate battled to a goalless draw that reflected their similar league struggles. Aguila, starting in 7th with 21 points, were expected to push harder for a win but lacked sharpness in the final third. Their defensive structure was solid, but they failed to create enough clear chances.

River Plate, who began in 16th place, will be satisfied with the point. Their defensive resilience stood out, and they frustrated Aguila throughout. Although they remain near the bottom, this draw gives the team a needed confidence boost.

The shared points do little to dramatically shift standings, but River Plate will view this as a step toward survival.

Chirundu United 0-0 Chambishi FC

Chirundu United, sitting 4th with 26 points before kickoff, were unable to break down a disciplined Chambishi side. The stalemate means Chirundu remain competitive in the race for promotion but missed an opportunity to gain ground on the top three. Their possession was dominant but lacked cutting edge.

Chambishi, starting in 15th with 11 points, will welcome a positive defensive display. The clean sheet is a morale booster for a team in a relegation fight. Their resilience prevented Chirundu from running away with the game.

The draw keeps both teams in their respective battles—Chirundu for promotion, Chambishi for survival.

Conclusion

Week 15 reshaped the landscape of the ZPL National League, with Makeni All Stars tightening their grip at the top, while challengers Roan United, Trident, and Chirundu United all dropped key points. The relegation battle also intensified, with Ndola United reviving their hopes and Locus FC sinking deeper into trouble. With the season nearing its halfway stage, every match now carries major consequences, and the promotion race promises to remain thrilling in the weeks ahead.