Week 8 of the 2025/26 ZPL National League delivered drama, shock results, and major shifts at both ends of the table. With the standings already updated, every match carried significant weight — from Trident tightening their grip on the summit to Roan United stumbling in unexpected fashion. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what each result meant for the teams involved.
Ndola United (18th) 0-1 Trident (1st)
Ndola United suffered yet another setback as league leaders Trident secured a vital away win, courtesy of Nicholas Chipoya’s decisive strike. Despite a spirited defensive shift from the bottom-placed side, Trident’s relentless pressure eventually paid off, showcasing the clinical edge that has defined their title charge this season.
The result keeps Trident firmly at the summit, strengthening their promotion ambitions, while Ndola United remain rooted to the bottom with growing survival concerns. The gap between the two sides is now a staggering reflection of form and quality — one chasing Super League dreams, the other fighting to stay alive.
Indeni (4th) 2-0 Roan United (13th)
Indeni continued their impressive home form with a commanding 2-0 victory over Roan United, as Logic Ching’andu and Jonathan Munalula both found the back of the net. The Oilers controlled possession throughout and made their dominance count with two clinical finishes.
The win keeps Indeni within touching distance of the top three, positioning them as serious promotion contenders. Meanwhile, Roan United continue to hover dangerously near the relegation scrap, desperately needing consistency if they are to avoid being dragged further down.
Lumwana Radiants (6th) 2-1 Aguila Stars (12th)
Lumwana Radiants edged out Aguila Stars in a tightly contested affair, with Christopher Tiki and Thomas Mwanza scoring before Kalolamanda Sichivula pulled one back for the visitors. Both sides displayed attacking intent, but the Radiants’ early control set the tone.
With the victory, Lumwana move closer to the top four, strengthening their reputation as dark horses in the promotion race. Aguila Stars, on the other hand, remain stuck in mid-table mediocrity — competitive but lacking the killer instinct required for upward movement.
Chambishi (10th) 1-0 Atletico Lusaka (7th)
Chambishi claimed an important win at home thanks to a composed finish from Mwamba Mulenga. The match was evenly balanced, but Chambishi capitalized on their chances while Atletico struggled to convert possession into goals.
This victory pushes Chambishi into the top half of the table, signaling steady improvement. Atletico Lusaka, meanwhile, will be disappointed to have dropped points that could have cemented their place among the promotion hopefuls.
Chirundu United (15th) 1-0 Makeni All Stars (9th)
Godfrey Chinga delivered a crucial goal for Chirundu United in what could be a turning point in their season. The home side fought hard to protect their lead, showing defensive resilience that had previously been missing in their performances.
With this result, Chirundu climb slightly out of immediate danger, injecting belief into their relegation fight. Makeni All Stars drop valuable points in their quest for consistency and now risk slipping further down the table if their form doesn’t stabilize.
Riverplate (14th) 0-2 Forest Rangers (2nd)
Forest Rangers flexed their promotion credentials with a professional 2-0 win away to Riverplate, courtesy of Hope Katwishi and Idriss Kisha. The visitors were in full control from start to finish, rarely allowing Riverplate any attacking joy.
The victory cements Forest Rangers’ position as strong contenders for automatic promotion. Riverplate, meanwhile, continue to flirt dangerously with the relegation zone, and will need a response soon to avoid being drawn deeper into the struggle.
Locus FC (11th) 1-2 Kitwe United (5th)
Kitwe United staged a brilliant away performance to overturn an early goal from Fackson Sikanyika, thanks to strikes from Moses Lolozi and Musa Mulenga. The fightback showcased the visitors’ resilience and tactical discipline.
The win keeps Kitwe United firmly in the promotion chase, sitting just outside the top four. For Locus FC, the defeat stalls their momentum and highlights their struggle to hold onto leads against top opposition.
Jumulo (16th) 0-0 Kafue Celtic (8th)
Jumulo and Kafue Celtic played out a cagey goalless draw in a match defined by missed chances and defensive discipline. Both sides showed flashes of attacking intent but lacked the composure needed in the final third.
The result does little for either team’s ambitions. Jumulo remain in the relegation zone, gaining only minimal relief, while Kafue Celtic miss an opportunity to close in on the top six.
Conclusion
Week 8 of the National League delivered crucial shifts across the table — Trident and Forest Rangers continue to dominate the promotion race, while Ndola United, Jumulo, and Riverplate remain stuck in survival mode. With competition intensifying, the battle lines are firmly drawn at both ends of the standings.
