Mines United made a winning start to the 2026 Zambia Premier League Transitional Season after coming from behind to defeat Jumulo FC 2–1, while Forest Rangers and Ndola United also opened their campaigns with narrow victories.
Mines United, who were relegated from the MTN Super League last season, found themselves behind after Peter Phiri put Jumulo FC in front in the 10th minute. The visitors responded strongly, with Djefi Lumingu restoring parity in the 30th minute to ensure the two sides went into the break level.
Mines United continued to push for the winner after the restart and their persistence eventually paid off with 12 minutes remaining. Martin Hamunjembwe found the decisive goal in the 78th minute to complete the comeback and give Mines United all three points in their opening fixture.
At Chambishi, Forest Rangers also started their campaign with a 1–0 victory over Chambishi FC. New signing Emmanuel Chikaza proved to be the difference between the two sides, scoring in the 61st minute to secure maximum points for Forest Rangers.
Chikaza joined Forest Rangers on a permanent deal from Konkola Blades and marked his competitive debut for the club by immediately opening his goalscoring account. His second-half strike was enough to settle a closely contested encounter.
Ndola United also began the transitional season on a winning note, edging FC Leopards 1–0. Jethro Banda scored as early as the eighth minute, and Ndola United held onto their advantage for the remainder of the match to claim all three points.
The other two opening fixtures ended in draws. Indeni FC and Kitwe United played out a goalless stalemate, while Mathkat United and Lumwana Radiants shared four goals in an entertaining 2–2 encounter.
Lumwana Radiants took the lead in the 30th minute through Shadrick Kambwili, but Mathkat United turned the game around after the break. Chabala Kasanda equalised in the 55th minute before George Salamansa put Mathkat United ahead 13 minutes later.
Kambwili, however, ensured Lumwana Radiants would not leave empty-handed, scoring his second goal of the match in the 81st minute to restore parity and earn his side a point.
The opening round has therefore produced three winners, with Mines United, Forest Rangers and Ndola United all collecting maximum points, while Indeni FC, Kitwe United, Mathkat United and Lumwana Radiants shared the spoils in their respective fixtures.
2026 ZPL Men’s National League Transitional Season – Week 1 Results
- Indeni FC 0–0 Kitwe United
- Mathkat United 2–2 Lumwana Radiants — Chabala Kasanda 55’, George Salamansa 68’ | Shadrick Kambwili 30’, 81’
- Ndola United 1–0 FC Leopards — Jethro Banda 8’
- Chambishi FC 0–1 Forest Rangers — Emmanuel Chikaza 61’
- Jumulo FC 1–2 Mines United — Peter Phiri 10’ | Djefi Lumingu 30’, Martin Hamunjembwe 78’
