Thrilling Start to 2025 National League Playoffs as Women’s and Men’s Teams Impress in Opening Matches
The 2025 National League Playoffs kicked off in style on Tuesday with a flurry of exciting fixtures across both the men’s and women’s competitions, showcasing Zambia’s vibrant football talent from every corner of the country. Teams came out firing at Lusaka’s Edwin Imboela Stadium and the Lusaka Municipal Sports Club (Munis).
Women’s Playoffs: Valley Queens, Ingwe Girls, Pemba and Buffaloes Make Winning Starts
At Munis, the Women’s National League Playoffs saw four teams seize early control of their respective groups.
In Group A, Valley Queens from Eastern Province returned to the national stage with a gritty 1-0 win over Luapula’s Chipembele Police Queens. Leila Daka netted the match-winner in the 46th minute, securing a valuable three points.
In the same group, Young Green Buffaloes Girls from Lusaka edged Kalumbila Queens 2-1 in an entertaining fixture. Agness Ondya struck twice in quick succession (39′, 45′), while Kalumbila’s Mary Lemon gave her side hope with a second-half goal.
Group B saw Copperbelt’s Ingwe Girls outplay Mulauli Academy of Western Province 2-0, with early goals from Inutu Lubinda and Sepiso Kayawe.
Meanwhile, Pemba Queens of Southern Province cruised past Young MU Sports Academy 2-0, thanks to strikes from Cecilia Mafikeni and Diana Maambo.
Men’s Playoffs: Solwezi, Roan, Makeni and Mathkat Claim Crucial Victories
At Edwin Imboela and Munis, the men’s competition delivered its own share of drama.
In Group A, Solwezi Academy secured a 1-0 win over Muchinga Blue Eagles courtesy of Vincent Chinoya’s 20th-minute header. Later, Mathkat United grabbed maximum points with a 1-0 result over Crown FC, thanks to John Mwansa’s early goal.
Group B saw a comeback performance from Makeni All Stars, who overturned a 1-0 deficit to beat Teta FC 3-1. After Teta’s John Kabwe opened the scoring, Makeni responded with goals from Peter Soneka, Penius Tonga, and Kenani Phiri.
Historic giants Roan United also made a winning return to playoff action with a 1-0 win over Nangweshi Pirates, with Brian Kajima’s 67th-minute strike proving decisive.
What’s Next
Both competitions continue on Wednesday, June 18:
Women’s Fixtures (Munis A & B):
- Valley Queens vs Young Green Buffaloes Girls – 13h00
- Mweenzo Queens Academy vs Chipembele Police Queens – 15h00
- Bwacha Pirates Queens vs Ingwe Girls – 15h00
Men’s Fixtures:
- Solwezi Academy vs Mathkat United – 13h00
- Makeni All Stars vs Nangweshi Pirates – 13h00
- Chipata City Council FC vs Muchinga Blue Eagles – 15h00
- Bart’s FC vs Teta FC – 15h00
At the end of the group phase, the top two teams from each group will earn promotion to the 2025/26 FAZ National League.
