ZPL National League: Week 22 Fixtures & Key Match Previews 🚀
The ZPL National League heads into Week 22 with Konkola Blades leading the race at 47 points, followed closely by Kansanshi Dynamos (41 points) and Prison Leopards (37 points). The battle for promotion remains tight, while the fight to avoid relegation intensifies at the bottom. Here’s a look at the crucial fixtures for this weekend.
Saturday | 01/02/2025
🔹 Mpulungu Harbour vs Ndola United | Muzabwera Ground (15:00h)
Both teams are in the mid-table battle, with Mpulungu Harbour (28 points, 8th place) looking to build momentum, while Ndola United (23 points, 12th place) will be desperate to distance themselves from the bottom. With both teams struggling for consistency, this could be a tightly contested fixture.
🔹 Mines United vs Prison Leopards | Railway Stadium (15:00h)
This is a top-six battle, as Mines United (31 points, 6th place) host a strong Prison Leopards side (37 points, 3rd place). Prison Leopards will be eager to close the gap on Kansanshi Dynamos, while Mines United will aim to secure a crucial win to stay in the promotion race. Expect an intense match with both sides fighting for a vital three points.
🔹 Konkola Blades vs Leopards Hill | Konkola Stadium (15:00h)
Table-toppers Konkola Blades (47 points, 1st place) will be aiming to strengthen their grip on the top spot when they face Leopards Hill (20 points, 16th place). With Leopards Hill battling relegation, this match could be a one-sided affair unless they pull off a shocking upset. Konkola Blades have been dominant this season, boasting the league’s best attack (26 goals scored) and a solid defense (only 14 goals conceded).
🔹 Kitwe United vs River Plate | Garden Park (15:00h)
Kitwe United (21 points, 15th place) need a win to escape the relegation zone, but they face a tough opponent in River Plate (36 points, 4th place). River Plate are still pushing for a promotion spot, making this a crucial match for both teams. Kitwe must improve their defensive record (14 goals conceded) to stand a chance against a well-organized River Plate side.
🔹 Kansanshi Dynamos vs Kafue Celtics | Independence Stadium, Solwezi (15:00h)
Kansanshi Dynamos (41 points, 2nd place) have been one of the most consistent teams this season and will look to keep pressure on Konkola Blades when they host Kafue Celtics (23 points, 13th place). Celtics have struggled defensively, conceding 15 goals, which could be a problem against a Kansanshi attack that has scored 28 goals this season. Expect Kansanshi to dominate possession and create multiple scoring chances.
🔹 Kafue Eagles vs Aguila Stars | Khosa Stadium (15:00h)
Kafue Eagles (24 points, 10th place) and Aguila Stars (26 points, 9th place) are both in mid-table, looking to climb higher. With only two points separating them, this game could be a closely fought encounter, with Aguila Stars aiming to maintain their edge over their hosts.
🔹 Jumulo vs Trident | Baluba Stadium (15:00h)
Jumulo (29 points, 7th place) faces a tricky challenge against Trident (32 points, 5th place). Trident have been one of the most improved teams in recent weeks and will be pushing to break into the top four. However, Jumulo’s solid defense (only 17 goals conceded) could make this a tough fixture for the visitors.
Sunday | 02/02/2025
🔹 Chirundu United vs Chambishi | Edwin Imboela Stadium (15:00h)
Chirundu United (23 points, 11th place) will host Chambishi (18 points, 17th place) in a must-win game for Chambishi, who are battling relegation. They have struggled to win games this season, with only two victories in 21 matches, making this a crucial match to turn their season around.
🔹 Chipata United vs Young Buffaloes | Nationalist Stadium (15:00h)
Bottom-placed Chipata United (18 points, 18th place) take on Young Buffaloes (22 points, 14th place) in what could be a relegation six-pointer. A loss for Chipata would leave them in deep trouble, while a win for Young Buffaloes would give them breathing space. Expect a high-intensity battle with both teams fighting for survival.
