Week 23 of the 2025/26 ZPL National League season delivered high tension across both ends of the table. From the title race to the survival fight, the margins continue to shrink as teams push toward their respective objectives.
Leaders Makeni All Stars tightened their grip at the summit, while several promotion contenders dropped valuable points. At the bottom, every draw and defeat is beginning to carry heavier consequences as the relegation zone becomes increasingly volatile.
Kafue Celtic 0-0 Chambishi
Kafue Celtic remain sixth on the table with 40 points after 23 matches, boasting 29 goals scored and 21 conceded. Chambishi sit 11th with 24 points from 23 games, having scored just 12 goals while conceding 15. On paper, Celtic had the stronger attacking record, but the match failed to produce a breakthrough.
Celtic entered the contest knowing that victory would have strengthened their promotion push, especially with Roan United and Chirundu United dropping points elsewhere. However, their inability to convert possession into goals reflects a recurring inconsistency in decisive fixtures.
For Chambishi, the draw is more valuable. Sitting mid-table, their defensive organization continues to be their strongest asset. Conceding only 15 goals all season is among the better defensive records outside the top four.
From a writer’s perspective, Celtic will view this as two points dropped. Promotion races are rarely forgiving, and sterile draws at home can become costly in April and May.
Kitwe United 1-1 Indeni
Kitwe United, positioned 15th with 21 points and a goal difference of -13 (16 scored, 29 conceded), desperately needed maximum points. Musa Mutepuka found the net, but defensive frailties once again denied them victory.
Indeni, ninth on 28 points with 21 goals scored and 25 conceded, equalized through Jonathan Munalula. Their campaign has been defined by balance—neither threatening promotion nor flirting with relegation.
For Kitwe United, the draw does little to ease relegation pressure. With Riverplate and Locus FC also fighting near the drop zone, wins are non-negotiable at this stage.
In my view, Kitwe’s inability to close games is symptomatic of deeper structural issues. Survival demands composure under pressure, and they are yet to consistently demonstrate it.
Atletico Lusaka 2-2 Chirundu United
Atletico Lusaka remain 10th with 26 points (27 scored, 26 conceded). Goals from Edmond Lungu Banda and Francis Bubu Mutalange gave them momentum, but defensive lapses — including a Michael Zulu own goal — shifted the narrative.
Chirundu United, second with 41 points from 22 matches (25 scored, 12 conceded), will feel this was a missed opportunity to close the gap on Makeni. Joseph Chilimina’s goal salvaged a point, but promotion rivals were watching closely.
Chirundu’s defensive record remains impressive, yet conceding twice in a crucial away fixture raises concerns.
From where I stand, title-chasing teams must show killer instinct. A draw away is respectable, but at this stage, respectable may not be enough.
Roan United 2-2 Aguila Stars
Roan United sit fifth with 40 points (24 scored, 13 conceded), while Aguila Stars are eighth with 32 points (32 scored, 23 conceded). Samuel Chiposa and Semiwe Mwila were on target for Roan, but Aguila responded through Kalolamanda Sichivula and Samson Malaya.
Roan’s defensive solidity has been a hallmark this season, conceding only 13 goals. Shipping two at home is uncharacteristic and potentially costly in the promotion chase.
Aguila Stars, meanwhile, continue to impress offensively. Their 32 goals underline attacking ambition, though defensive inconsistencies keep them outside the top four.
Personally, I believe Roan dropped two critical points here. In tight promotion races, home dominance is fundamental.
Forest Rangers 3-1 Chipata City Council
Forest Rangers move to third with 41 points (27 scored, 15 conceded). Saviour Kunda, John Kasamu and Tobias Chungu secured a convincing win over Chipata City Council, who sit 13th with 22 points and a worrying -17 goal difference (18 scored, 35 conceded).
Forest showed composure and attacking precision, reinforcing their promotion credentials. Chipata’s defensive vulnerabilities were once again exposed.
Chipata’s struggle is defensive discipline. Conceding 35 goals after 23 matches is unsustainable in a survival battle.
From my observation, Forest Rangers look increasingly like a side built for the run-in — structured, efficient and decisive.
Makeni All Stars 2-1 Lumwana Radiants
Makeni All Stars strengthened their lead at the summit with 48 points (35 scored, 15 conceded). Joseph Chandwila and a Penias Tonga penalty sealed victory against Lumwana Radiants, who remain seventh with 33 points.
Makeni’s +20 goal difference reflects dominance. They continue to find ways to win even in tightly contested fixtures.
Lumwana’s mid-table position is respectable, but their 22 goals scored suggest limited attacking threat compared to the top three.
From a writer’s standpoint, Makeni are setting the pace with authority. Champions are defined by consistency — and they are delivering it weekly.
Riverplate 1-1 Ndola United
Riverplate sit 17th with 18 points (17 scored, 29 conceded), while Ndola United are 12th with 22 points (15 scored, 24 conceded). Desmond Nyirenda and Saulous Banda exchanged goals in a tense encounter.
For Riverplate, a draw does little to ease relegation anxiety. Their defensive record remains concerning.
Ndola United will view this as steady consolidation, though their scoring rate remains modest.
In my opinion, Riverplate are running out of time. Draws in relegation fights often feel like slow defeats.
Trident 0-0 Jumulo
Trident remain fourth with 41 points (26 scored, 14 conceded). Jumulo sit 14th with 21 points. Trident’s defensive resilience continues to stand out, but attacking bluntness cost them momentum.
For Jumulo, the draw is valuable in the survival race. Grinding results against top-four sides builds confidence.
I see this as a missed opportunity for Trident. In a crowded top four, dropped points at home could define final standings.
Mpulungu Harbour vs Locus FC (Postponed)
Mpulungu Harbour remain bottom with 14 points from 18 matches, while Locus FC are 16th with 18 points from 21 matches. This fixture, once rescheduled, will carry massive relegation implications.
Week 23 has tightened the title race and intensified the survival struggle. Makeni All Stars look increasingly composed at the top, while Forest Rangers and Chirundu United remain in pursuit.
At the bottom, Kitwe United, Riverplate, Locus FC and Mpulungu Harbour face mounting pressure. As the season enters its decisive phase, consistency — not flashes of brilliance — will determine promotion and survival.
The league is no longer about potential. It is about execution.
