By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 12th January 2026
The ZPL National League promotion race intensified in Week 18 as crucial points were won and dropped across the country, reshaping both the title charge and relegation battle. While some fixtures were postponed, the matches that went ahead had significant implications at both ends of the table, with Kafue Celtic strengthening their top-four push and Makeni All Stars maintaining their lead despite not kicking a ball.
With the updated log standings reflecting the weekend’s outcomes, Week 18 underlined just how tight the race remains, particularly between second and fourth place where only goal difference separates several contenders.
Aguila Stars 2–3 Kafue Celtic
Scorers: Havious Phiri, Chisamba Lungu | Andrew Mulenga, Jonathan Kalimina, Chama Chansa
Kafue Celtic claimed a vital away victory over Aguila Stars in a five-goal thriller that had major implications for the promotion race. Heading into the match, Celtic were chasing the top three and knew that anything less than maximum points would dent their ambitions. The win lifts Kafue Celtic to fourth place on 33 points after 18 matches, level with Roan United and Chirundu United, but having played a game more.
Aguila Stars, who came into the match sitting eighth, showed resilience with goals from Havious Phiri and Chisamba Lungu, but defensive lapses proved costly. The loss leaves Aguila Stars eighth on 26 points, now six points adrift of the promotion places and facing an uphill task to reinsert themselves into the race.
For Kafue Celtic, goals from Andrew Mulenga, Jonathan Kalimina and Chama Chansa highlighted their attacking depth. The result keeps them firmly in contention for MTN Super League promotion and adds pressure on the teams above them, particularly with several postponed fixtures still to be played.
Ndola United 1–0 Kitwe United
Scorer: Steven Chisha
Steven Chisha’s solitary strike proved the difference as Ndola United edged Kitwe United in a crucial Copperbelt derby. The victory was massive for Ndola United, who entered the round flirting dangerously with the relegation zone. The three points move them up to 13th on 17 points from 17 matches, offering breathing space and renewed confidence.
Kitwe United, on the other hand, remain stuck in mid-table obscurity. The defeat leaves them 10th with 20 points, and while relegation fears are minimal for now, the inconsistency continues to undermine any late push toward the top half.
For Ndola United, the clean sheet was just as important as the win itself, given their struggles at the back this season. The result could be a turning point as they look to climb away from danger in the second round.
Lumwana Radiants 2–0 Forest Rangers
Scorers: Charles Lubasi, Fred Kumwenda
Lumwana Radiants strengthened their promotion credentials with a composed home victory over Forest Rangers. Goals from Charles Lubasi and Fred Kumwenda ensured Lumwana claimed all three points, moving them up to sixth place on 29 points, just four points off the top three.
Forest Rangers, who started the weekend level on points with Lumwana, failed to match the hosts’ intensity and now drop to seventh on 29 points, trailing on goal difference. The result dents their momentum and places extra pressure on upcoming fixtures.
For Lumwana Radiants, this win reinforces their status as genuine promotion contenders. With consistency beginning to emerge, they remain well positioned to capitalise on slip-ups from teams above them.
Chambishi 1–1 Chipata City Council
Scorers: Fred Mwila | Malik Selifu
Chambishi and Chipata City Council shared the spoils in a closely contested encounter that did little to ease either side’s concerns. Fred Mwila gave Chambishi hope, but Malik Selifu’s response ensured Chipata left with a valuable point.
The draw leaves Chambishi 14th on 16 points, still hovering just above the relegation zone. While the point was welcome, their inability to convert chances into wins continues to hamper progress.
Chipata City Council sit 12th with 18 points, and while the draw extends their unbeaten run, it also highlights the missed opportunity to pull further clear of danger. Both sides remain firmly involved in the survival battle.
Indeni 0–0 Trident FC
A goalless draw between Indeni and Trident FC reflected a tense and tactical battle, with neither side willing to take unnecessary risks. Indeni remain ninth on 23 points, a position that keeps them comfortably mid-table but still far from the promotion conversation.
Trident FC, meanwhile, stay fifth on 30 points, a result that slightly stalls their pursuit of the top three. While a point away from home is respectable, dropped points at this stage of the season could prove costly in the promotion race.
For both teams, defensive solidity was the standout feature, but attacking sharpness will be required going forward as the margins at the top continue to narrow.
Postponed Matches
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Makeni All Stars vs Atletico Lusaka
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Roan United vs Mpulungu Harbour
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Locus FC vs Jumulo FC
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Chirundu United vs River Plate
The postponements mean several teams still have games in hand, particularly Roan United and Chirundu United, who remain level on points with Kafue Celtic. Makeni All Stars, despite not playing, continue to lead the table with 38 points, maintaining their advantage at the summit.
Conclusion
Week 18 of the ZPL National League delivered decisive moments that tightened the promotion race and intensified the relegation battle. Kafue Celtic’s away win stands out as the weekend’s defining result, while Lumwana Radiants quietly continue to build momentum.
With multiple postponed fixtures still to be played, the coming weeks promise further twists as teams look to either close the gap on Makeni All Stars or escape the drop. The margins are slim, and every point now carries added weight.
