The ZPL Women’s Super League returns this weekend as the second round of the 2025/26 season kicks off following the festive break, with Matchweek 18 offering a compelling mix of title-chasing encounters, mid-table battles, and crucial relegation six-pointers. With the league table beginning to take shape, every result now carries increased significance as teams either push for continental places or fight for survival.
League leaders Green Buffaloes Women continue to set the pace, but pressure remains intense from ZESCO Ndola Girls, Zanaco Ladies, and Red Arrows Women, all of whom remain firmly in the title conversation. Meanwhile, several sides near the bottom know that a poor second round could prove costly as the relegation picture sharpens.
Match Previews
Luyando Foundation Girls vs Green Eagles Women
Independence Stadium, Lusaka
Luyando Foundation Girls return to action looking to build on a positive end to the first round. Sitting 11th on the table with 18 points from 17 matches, Luyando are unbeaten in their last three outings, picking up two wins and a draw that have eased relegation fears and boosted confidence within the squad.
Green Eagles Women, currently sixth with 33 points, arrive under pressure after failing to win any of their last three matches. Despite their strong league position, recent inconsistency has slowed their push for a top-four finish, making this fixture an opportunity to regain momentum.
Historically, Eagles have enjoyed success against Luyando, winning three of their last five meetings. However, with Luyando showing renewed resilience and Eagles struggling for form, this contest promises to be more competitive than previous encounters.
The Elite Ladies vs Nkwazi Queens
REIZ Arena, Lusaka
The Elite Ladies, currently 10th with 20 points, host Nkwazi Queens in a fixture that has traditionally favoured the home side. Elite have won four of the last five meetings between the two teams and will be keen to maintain that dominance despite a worrying run of form.
The hosts have managed just one win in their last five matches, a sequence that has stalled their climb up the table. Defensive lapses and missed chances have been costly, making this match an important test of character at the start of the second round.
Nkwazi Queens, placed 15th with 10 points, arrive in better recent form, having collected two wins and a draw from their last five games. With attacking threats like Gloria Stacey Mwelwa, Zewelanji Nambeye, and a growing belief within the squad, Nkwazi will view this as a real opportunity to upset the odds.
National Assembly Women vs Indeni Roses
Nationalist Stadium, Lusaka
National Assembly Women enter Matchweek 18 in serious need of points. Sitting 14th with just 10 points from 17 matches, Assembly are hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone and cannot afford to waste home advantage.
Indeni Roses, by contrast, have enjoyed a strong campaign and currently sit fifth with 33 points. Their first-round success was largely driven by the brilliance of Ngosa Chabwe, who scored nine goals and provided 12 assists, making her one of the league’s standout performers.
While Indeni will be favourites on paper, the desperation of National Assembly could make this a fiercely contested match. For Assembly, anything less than maximum points would deepen their relegation troubles.
Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens vs ZISD FC
Kamfinsa Ground, Kitwe
Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens occupy 12th place with 17 points and face a ZISD FC side rooted near the bottom of the table. Kamfinsa enjoyed a dominant 6–2 victory in the reverse fixture and will be confident of repeating that performance.
However, both teams come into this match winless in their last five games, each managing just two points from a possible 15. This poor run has raised concerns, particularly for Kamfinsa, who risk being dragged deeper into the relegation battle.
For ZISD FC, currently 17th with only six points, this fixture represents one of their remaining opportunities to spark a survival push. Anything other than a positive result could further dent their hopes of staying in the top flight.
Nchanga Rangers Queens vs Zanaco Ladies
Nchanga Stadium, Chingola
One of the standout fixtures of the weekend sees seventh-placed Nchanga Rangers Queens (28 points) host in-form Zanaco Ladies, who sit third with 39 points. Zanaco arrive on a remarkable nine-match winning streak and are arguably the most dangerous team in the league at present.
Blessings Zangose Zulu and Regina Chanda have formed a lethal partnership for Zanaco, combining for 16 goals so far. Their movement, chemistry, and finishing have been central to the Bankers’ title push.
Nchanga Rangers Queens boast a star-studded squad including Mapalo Maluba, Lungowe Namasiku, and Cynthia Mushili, and will be determined to avenge their 2–1 first-round defeat. This fixture could have major implications at the top end of the table.
Konkola Blades Queens vs Red Arrows Women
Konkola Stadium, Chililabombwe
Konkola Blades Queens, currently eighth with 27 points, welcome Red Arrows Women in a fixture that promises attacking football. Arrows sit fourth with 37 points and remain unbeaten in their last five matches.
The Airwomen claimed a comfortable 2–0 victory in the reverse fixture and will be looking to complete a league double. Their attacking threat, led by Mary Mambwe’s pace and the creativity of Mary Mukupa and Bupe Banda, makes them dangerous in transition.
Konkola, under coach Enala Simbeye Phiri, will be hoping home advantage and attacking options like Chisomo Banda and Chisola Ng’andu can tilt the balance in their favour.
Green Buffaloes Women vs YASA Queens
REIZ Arena, Lusaka
League leaders Green Buffaloes Women, with 44 points from 17 matches, return to action against YASA Queens. Buffaloes boast the league’s best attack and defence, scoring 50 goals while conceding just eight.
YASA Queens sit 13th with 16 points and face a daunting task against the table-toppers. While Buffaloes will be heavy favourites, YASA’s stubborn defensive approach could make this a test of patience.
A win would further solidify Buffaloes’ grip on the title race, while any dropped points could reopen the door for their closest challengers.
Amazing Grace FC vs Chipata Girls
ZNS Ruby Ground, Kabwe
This relegation battle sees Amazing Grace FC (16th, eight points) host bottom-placed Chipata Girls, who have just five points from 13 matches. Both teams are desperate for maximum points as survival hopes hang by a thread.
Amazing Grace have struggled defensively all season, while Chipata Girls remain winless. This fixture could represent a rare opportunity for either side to gain momentum.
A draw would benefit neither team, making this a must-win encounter in the context of the relegation fight.
Trident Queens vs ZESCO Ndola Girls
Sentinel Ground, Kalumbila
Defending champions ZESCO Ndola Girls travel to face Trident Queens knowing they cannot afford to slip up. ZESCO sit second with 40 points from 16 matches, just four points behind leaders Green Buffaloes with a game in hand.
Trident Queens, ninth with 21 points, have been inconsistent but remain dangerous at home. They will aim to frustrate ZESCO and capitalise on any lapses.
For ZESCO, victory is essential to maintain pressure at the top, while Trident will see this as a chance to make a statement against one of the league’s giants.
Conclusion
As the ZPL Women’s Super League enters its decisive second round, Matchweek 18 sets the tone for what promises to be a thrilling run-in. With the title race tightening, relegation fears growing, and form becoming increasingly decisive, every fixture this weekend carries significant implications. Fans can expect intensity, drama, and defining moments across the country.
