By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 10th December 2026
The ZPL National League enters a decisive phase as Week 18 fixtures take centre stage, with promotion contenders, mid-table hopefuls, and relegation-threatened sides all facing defining moments. From title-chasing Makeni All Stars to bottom-placed River Plate, every match this weekend carries weight as the table begins to take a clearer shape. With points at a premium and margins razor-thin, Week 18 could significantly alter both the promotion race and the survival battle.
Aguila Stars vs Kafue Celtic
Saturday, 10 January 2026 | Reiz Arena | 15:00
Aguila Stars head into Week 18 sitting 7th on 26 points after 17 matches, firmly in the mid-table pack but still within touching distance of the promotion conversation. Kafue Celtic, meanwhile, occupy 4th place with 30 points, positioning them as genuine promotion contenders as the season approaches its decisive phase.
For Aguila Stars, a victory would lift them to 29 points, potentially leapfrogging several teams and pulling them right back into the top-six discussion. A draw would keep them steady but may not significantly improve their standing, while a defeat could see them drop further behind the leading group.
Kafue Celtic will view this as a must-win fixture. Three points would move them to 33 points, possibly into the top three depending on other results, while also maintaining pressure on league leaders Makeni All Stars. Anything less than a win risks allowing Trident FC and Forest Rangers to close in.
Chambishi FC vs Chipata City Council FC
Saturday, 10 January 2026 | Chambishi Stadium | 15:00
Chambishi FC are currently 13th with 15 points from 16 games, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. Chipata City Council FC sit slightly higher in 12th place on 17 points, making this a classic six-pointer at the lower end of the table.
A home win for Chambishi would take them to 18 points, potentially lifting them above Chipata and creating breathing space from the bottom four. A draw keeps both teams in a precarious position, while defeat would deepen Chambishi’s relegation fears.
For Chipata City Council, three points would push them to 20 points, opening a gap between themselves and the drop zone. Given Chambishi’s struggles in front of goal, Chipata may view this as a crucial opportunity to consolidate their mid-table survival push.
Lumwana Radiants vs Forest Rangers
Saturday, 10 January 2026 | Lumwana Ground | 15:00
Lumwana Radiants are 8th on 26 points, level with Aguila Stars but behind on goal difference. Forest Rangers sit just ahead in 6th place with 29 points, firmly entrenched in the promotion chase.
A Lumwana victory would see them rise to 29 points, drawing level with Forest Rangers and potentially breaking into the top six. A draw would maintain the status quo, while defeat would allow Forest Rangers to strengthen their position among the promotion hopefuls.
Forest Rangers will be targeting maximum points to move to 32 points, which could take them as high as fourth. Given the congested nature of the top half, dropping points here could prove costly later in the season.
Indeni FC vs Trident FC
Saturday, 10 January 2026 | Indeni Complex | 15:00
Indeni FC currently sit 9th with 22 points, struggling for consistency but still capable of upsetting stronger sides. Trident FC, in contrast, are 5th on 29 points, firmly in the promotion mix.
For Indeni, a win would lift them to 25 points, narrowing the gap to the top six and restoring belief in their campaign. A draw would offer limited progress, while defeat could see them drift further into mid-table obscurity.
Trident FC know that three points would move them to 32 points, strengthening their grip on the top five and keeping pressure on Kafue Celtic and Chirundu United. Anything less could stall their momentum at a critical stage.
Ndola United vs Kitwe United
Saturday, 10 January 2026 | Musa Kasonka Stadium | 15:00
Ndola United are 16th with 14 points from 16 matches, entrenched in the relegation zone. Kitwe United sit slightly safer in 10th place on 20 points, though still far from secure.
A win for Ndola United would move them to 17 points, potentially pulling them out of the bottom three depending on other results. A draw keeps survival hopes alive, but defeat would deepen their relegation crisis.
Kitwe United will aim to stretch the gap to the drop zone. Victory would see them reach 23 points, offering a crucial buffer, while failure to win could drag them back into danger.
Chirundu United vs River Plate
Sunday, 11 January 2026 | Edwin Imboela Stadium | 15:00
Chirundu United are enjoying a strong campaign, sitting 3rd on 33 points, level with Roan United but behind on goal difference. River Plate are 18th with 13 points, rooted at the bottom of the table.
For Chirundu, this is a golden opportunity to climb higher. A win would take them to 36 points, keeping them firmly in the promotion race and possibly closing in on second place.
River Plate desperately need points. A win would lift them to 16 points, offering a lifeline in their relegation battle, while defeat would further cement their position at the foot of the table.
Makeni All Stars vs Atletico Lusaka
Monday, 12 January 2026 | Reiz Arena | 15:00
League leaders Makeni All Stars top the table with 38 points, boasting the best defensive record in the league. Atletico Lusaka sit 11th with 18 points, struggling to find consistency.
A Makeni victory would take them to 41 points, further solidifying their grip on top spot and strengthening their promotion credentials. A draw would still keep them in control, while defeat could allow Roan United and Chirundu to close the gap.
For Atletico Lusaka, three points would push them to 21 points, easing relegation concerns. However, anything other than a disciplined performance could see them overwhelmed by the league’s most dominant side.
POSTPONED FIXTURES
These postponements mean teams involved will have games in hand, a factor that could significantly impact both the promotion race and relegation battle as the season progresses.
As the ZPL National League heads into Week 18, the stakes could hardly be higher across the table. Promotion contenders will be under pressure to maintain consistency, while mid-table sides eye an opportunity to close the gap on the top four. At the other end, teams in the relegation zone know that dropped points at this stage could prove costly as the season enters its decisive stretch.
With every fixture carrying clear consequences for league positioning, Week 18 promises drama, intensity, and potential turning points. Whether it is a title push gaining momentum or a survival bid receiving a lifeline, the outcomes from this round are set to shape the narrative of the National League season moving forward.
