Week 21 of the 2025/26 ZPL National League delivered decisive movement at both ends of the table, with promotion contenders dropping points, mid-table sides staking claims, and relegation-threatened teams fighting desperately for survival. Using the updated standings, the weekend’s results reshaped the dynamics of the title race while intensifying pressure in the bottom four.
Makeni All Stars remain top with 44 points, but the chasing pack closed in after dropped points. Meanwhile, at the foot of the table, Mpulungu Harbour, Riverplate and Locus FC remain firmly in danger as margins for error continue to shrink. Here is a full, detailed breakdown of every Week 21 fixture and what each result means.
Kitwe United 0–3 Aguila Stars
Aguila Stars produced one of the most commanding performances of the weekend with a ruthless 3–0 away victory over Kitwe United, lifting them to 7th place on 30 points. Goals from Samson Malaya, Kalolamanda Sichivula and Rabson Mumba underlined Aguila’s attacking efficiency as they punished a struggling Kitwe side.
The win keeps Aguila firmly in the top-half conversation and within touching distance of Forest Rangers and Chirundu United above them. With only five points separating sixth from third, Aguila’s momentum could yet turn into a late promotion push if consistency improves.
For Kitwe United, the defeat leaves them 14th on 20 points, dangerously close to the relegation zone. Defensive frailties continue to haunt them, and without a quick response, they risk being dragged fully into the survival scrap.
Forest Rangers 3–1 Locus FC
Forest Rangers strengthened their promotion credentials with a convincing 3–1 home victory over Locus FC, moving up to 6th place on 35 points. Goals from Chikwanda Musonda, Saviour Kunda and a Nicholas Chipoya penalty ensured Rangers capitalised on dropped points above them.
This result keeps Forest Rangers firmly in the hunt, just two points off the top four. Their home form is becoming a major asset, and with several head-to-head clashes still to come, Rangers remain very much in the promotion equation.
Locus FC, however, remain in deep trouble. Sitting 16th on 17 points, the defeat further damages their survival hopes. With goals conceded continuing to outweigh goals scored, Locus face an uphill task to escape the drop.
Riverplate 2–0 Chipata City Council
Riverplate claimed a rare but vital 2–0 victory over Chipata City Council, though they remain 17th on 16 points. Goals from Desmond Nyirenda and Henry Chisimga provided a lifeline in a season that has otherwise been defined by struggle.
Despite the win, Riverplate remain inside the relegation zone, but the three points close the gap to Locus FC and Jumulo. Momentum, rather than position, may now be their most valuable currency heading into the final stretch.
Chipata City Council stay 12th on 22 points after another disappointing defensive showing. While not yet in immediate danger, repeated losses could see them pulled into a battle they will want to avoid.
Mpulungu Harbour 1–3 Indeni
Indeni boosted their mid-table security with a strong 3–1 away win over bottom side Mpulungu Harbour, moving up to 9th place on 27 points. Logic Ching’andu’s brace, combined with a strike from Isaac Ngoma, sealed a professional performance.
The victory keeps Indeni clear of relegation concerns and within striking distance of the top eight. Their recent consistency is beginning to reflect in the standings, and survival now looks increasingly secure.
For Mpulungu Harbour, the situation grows increasingly bleak. Rooted bottom on 14 points, defeat at home further reduces their chances of survival, with defensive lapses proving costly week after week.
Kafue Celtic 3–3 Chirundu United
One of the games of the season unfolded at Crocs Swamp as Kafue Celtic and Chirundu United played out a thrilling 3–3 draw. Chama Chansa netted a sensational hat-trick for Celtic, while Darius Phiri (2) and Joseph Chilimina responded for Chirundu.
The draw leaves Kafue Celtic 3rd on 38 points, level with Roan United but having played a game more. While their attacking power remains clear, defensive lapses may yet cost them automatic promotion.
Chirundu United sit 5th on 37 points, just one point off the top four. The result keeps them firmly in the promotion race, though they will feel this was a missed opportunity to climb higher.
Trident 1–1 Chambishi
Trident dropped crucial points after being held to a 1–1 draw by Chambishi, leaving them 4th on 37 points. Daliso Zulu gave Trident hope, but Ndonji Nkandu’s response ensured Chambishi took a valuable point.
While Trident remain in the promotion zone, the draw allows pressure from Forest Rangers and Chirundu United to intensify. Margins are now extremely fine, and dropped points could prove costly.
Chambishi remain 10th on 23 points, continuing their steady accumulation of draws. While not spectacular, the point keeps them clear of relegation danger.
Jumulo 1–1 Ndola United
Jumulo and Ndola United shared the points in a tense relegation six-pointer. Joshua Kaputu scored for Jumulo, but Aaron Tembo’s equaliser denied the hosts a vital win.
Jumulo remain 15th on 19 points, still inside the relegation zone. While the draw slows the bleeding, they desperately needed three points to create breathing space.
Ndola United sit 13th on 20 points and remain precariously positioned. A lack of wins continues to leave them vulnerable to being dragged deeper into the survival fight.
Makeni All Stars 1–1 Roan United
League leaders Makeni All Stars were held to a 1–1 draw by Roan United in a high-stakes top-of-the-table clash. Mike Simwinga scored for Makeni, while Clifford Hamunkoyo equalised for Roan.
Makeni remain top on 44 points, but their lead is now under threat as the chasing pack closes in. Dropped points at home may prove significant as pressure mounts.
Roan United move to 38 points in 2nd place, maintaining their promotion push. The draw keeps them firmly in contention and psychologically strong.
Atletico Lusaka 0–0 Lumwana Radiants
Atletico Lusaka and Lumwana Radiants cancelled each other out in a goalless draw that reflected their closely matched league positions. Atletico remain 11th on 22 points, while Lumwana stay 8th on 30 points.
For Atletico, the point offers some stability but does little to ease lingering relegation concerns. Goals remain a pressing issue.
Lumwana Radiants will see the draw as a missed chance to close the gap on the top six, but it keeps their campaign steady.
Conclusion
Week 21 of the ZPL National League reinforced just how tight and unforgiving the 2025/26 season has become. With only seven points separating second from sixth, the promotion race remains wide open, while at the bottom, survival is turning into a weekly battle of nerve and discipline.
As the league enters its decisive phase, consistency—not reputation—will determine who rises and who falls. One slip now could define an entire season.
