Trident Football Club climbed to the summit of the ZPL National League following a narrow 1-0 victory over Ndola United in Week 8 action. A 23rd-minute strike from Nicholas Chipoya proved decisive as the Conquerors moved level on 19 points with Roan United, but took pole position thanks to their superior goal difference. Trident have scored 13 goals and conceded just three so far this season.
It was a special moment for head coach Manchi Janza, who described the result as both tactical and personal:
A win is a win, and we stuck to our plan. Ndola United are not an easy team to face, but we created chances and took one. For me, this was special because Ndola is my hometown. I grew up watching football here, so to win on this ground is very meaningful.
Roan United, who had enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season, were dethroned after suffering their first defeat. They lost 2-0 to Indeni FC at the Indeni Sports Complex, with goals from Logic Ching’andu in the 41st minute and Jonathan Munalula in the 70th minute sealing the win. Despite the upset, Indeni remain in the relegation mix.
Elsewhere, Chirundu United edged Makeni All Stars 1-0 to climb into third place with 17 points, just two behind the joint leaders. Makeni dropped to fourth on 16 points, tied with Forest Rangers, who occupy fifth.
Chirundu coach Caston Chilekwa praised his side’s resilience following last week’s defeat:
The loss we had taught us not to be too comfortable. This week we knew we had to respond, and the players delivered. We created many chances and should have scored more, but the important thing is we are back to winning ways and keeping ourselves in contention.
After eight rounds, Kafue Celtic (14 points) and Aguila Stars (11 points) remain in the chasing pack, while Ndola United anchors the table on just three points.
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