ZPL Women’s Super League Week 23: Leaders Change

Matchweek 23 of the ZPL Women’s Super League delivered decisive movement across the table, reshaping both the title race and the relegation battle in a single dramatic weekend. A total of 22 goals were scored across nine fixtures, producing seven wins and two draws, as momentum swung sharply at both ends of the standings.

At the top, Green Buffaloes Women returned to first place, while ZESCO Ndola Girls kept the pressure firmly on. In the bottom half, long-suffering sides finally found relief, tightening an already congested survival fight with just a few rounds remaining.

Green Eagles Women 1–2 Green Buffaloes Women

Green Buffaloes Women showed championship character at NASDEC Sports Complex, coming from behind to defeat Green Eagles Women 2–1 in a fiercely contested military derby. Green Eagles struck first through Racheal Moono, punishing a rare lapse in Buffaloes’ defensive line and sending the home crowd into belief that an upset was possible.

Buffaloes responded with composure and authority. Agness Phiri calmly converted from the penalty spot to level the match before halftime, restoring control and momentum. In the second half, Regina Kayamboma produced the decisive moment, finishing clinically to complete the turnaround and silence the Eagles resistance.

The victory lifts Green Buffaloes Women to 53 points after 21 matches, restoring them to the top of the table. Green Eagles, despite a spirited performance, remain 6th on 40 points, firmly in the top six but now out of realistic title contention.

Trident Queens 2–1 Konkola Blades Queens

At Sentinel Ground, Trident Queens claimed a vital 2–1 victory over Konkola Blades Queens in a tightly fought midtable contest. Trident struck first through Monica Chisanga, capitalising on early pressure and setting the tone for an aggressive home performance.

Konkola Blades responded well after the break, with January signing Sampa Sascha Chisanga scoring her first goal for the club to draw level and underline Blades’ attacking threat. However, Trident showed greater resolve in decisive moments, with Elizabeth Chishimba restoring the lead to seal all three points.

The result moves Trident Queens up to 9th place on 32 points, giving them breathing space in midtable. Konkola Blades remain 8th on 36 points, missing an opportunity to close the gap on the top six.

Chipata Girls 0–2 YASA Queens

YASA Queens strengthened their survival push with a composed 2–0 away victory over Chipata Girls at David Kaunda Stadium. Captain Harriet Matipa delivered a commanding performance, scoring twice in the first half to put the visitors firmly in control.

Chipata Girls struggled to respond, lacking cutting edge in attack and failing to recover from the early setback. Despite improved organisation in the second half, they were unable to threaten YASA’s defensive structure.

The win lifts YASA Queens to 21 points in 12th place, opening daylight between themselves and the relegation zone. Chipata Girls remain bottom on 9 points, with survival now increasingly unlikely.

ZESCO Ndola Girls 5–1 Amazing Grace FC

At Trade Fair Ground, ZESCO Ndola Girls delivered a statement performance, dismantling Amazing Grace FC 5–1 to keep the title race alive. Captain Avell Chitundu produced a sensational display, scoring four goals, while Esther Muchinga added another in a dominant attacking showing.

Amazing Grace struggled to contain ZESCO’s relentless pressure, with defensive gaps ruthlessly exposed. Ruth Muwowo managed a consolation goal, but it did little to alter the flow of a one-sided contest.

ZESCO remain second on 52 points from 20 matches, just one point behind leaders Green Buffaloes with a game in hand. Amazing Grace stay 14th on 18 points, still deep in relegation danger.

Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens 0–1 National Assembly Women

After heavy rain delayed proceedings, National Assembly Women emerged with a crucial 1–0 victory over Kamfinsa Blue Eagles Queens at Kamfinsa Ground. The match was decided by Lilian Mwamba, whose composed finish proved the difference in a tense, low-margin encounter.

Kamfinsa struggled to impose themselves, particularly in midfield, and were unable to break down a disciplined National Assembly defence. Despite enjoying spells of possession, they lacked the final ball needed to salvage a point.

The win moves National Assembly Women up to 15 points, keeping them within touching distance of safety in 15th place. Kamfinsa remain 11th on 23 points, now uncomfortably close to the relegation scrap.

Indeni Roses 1–0 ZANACO Ladies

In the headline clash of the round, Indeni Roses edged ZANACO Ladies 1–0 at Indeni Sports Complex, dealing a blow to ZANACO’s title ambitions. The decisive moment came when Hellen Banda converted confidently from the penalty spot.

The match was cagey and tactical, with both sides cancelling each other out for long spells. Indeni’s defensive discipline frustrated ZANACO’s creative outlets, while the hosts showed maturity in game management once ahead.

The result leaves both teams level on 49 points, with ZANACO remaining 3rd and Indeni 4th, but having played one more match. The title race remains wide open.

Nkwazi Queens 2–0 Luyando Foundation Girls

Nkwazi Queens secured a morale-boosting 2–0 derby win over Luyando Foundation Girls at Edwin Imboela Stadium. First-half goals from Zewelanji Nambenye and January signing Suwilanji Chibesa gave the hosts a commanding early advantage.

Luyando struggled to recover from the early pressure and lacked cohesion going forward. Nkwazi, by contrast, showed renewed belief and defensive solidity rarely seen earlier in the season.

The victory lifts Nkwazi Queens to 15 points, drawing them level with National Assembly Women and reigniting survival hopes. Luyando remain 13th on 18 points, now firmly dragged into the relegation fight.

Red Arrows Women 2–2 Nchanga Rangers Queens

At Nkoloma Stadium, Red Arrows Women and Nchanga Rangers Queens shared an entertaining 2–2 draw in a match filled with attacking intent. Red Arrows struck through Falensi Sakala, while Mary Mulenga converted from the spot.

Nchanga Rangers responded with goals from prolific striker Sarrive Badiambila Lobo and Nalungwe, showcasing their attacking depth and resilience away from home.

The draw keeps Red Arrows 5th on 45 points, while Nchanga Rangers move to 39 points in 7th place, maintaining their push toward the top six.

ZISD FC 0–0 The Elite Ladies

The only goalless draw of the round came at Independence Stadium, where ZISD FC and The Elite Ladies cancelled each other out. Chances were limited, with both sides prioritising defensive stability over risk.

ZISD showed improved organisation but lacked creativity in the final third, while Elite Ladies appeared content to manage the game and avoid defeat away from home.

The result leaves ZISD 17th on 12 points, still in deep relegation trouble. Elite Ladies remain 10th on 29 points, safely midtable but struggling for consistency.

Conclusion

Matchweek 23 significantly sharpened the narrative of the ZPL Women’s Super League. Green Buffaloes reclaimed top spot, ZESCO Ndola Girls remain in hot pursuit, and the relegation battle tightened dramatically with multiple teams now separated by just a few points.

With margins shrinking and pressure mounting, the next matchweek could prove decisive in determining both the champions and the teams fighting to preserve their top-flight status.