Tight at the top of the MTN Super League heading to weekend matches

None of the top three in the MTN Super League managed a victory last weekend, allowing the chasing pack to close in as things get tight at the top of the table.

Just four points separate leaders Kabwe Warriors and defending champions Red Arrows in sixth as we approach the halfway point of the campaign, possible setting up a thrilling title run-in over the next few months.

Warriors go to Nkwazi on Saturday, a club rooted in mid-table, though only seven points behind them on the table.

Warriors have won four of their last five away games and are unbeaten in six matches, but last weekend’s disappointing 0-0 home draw with NAPSA Stars ended a run of five straight wins. Warriors have won only two of their previous 13 league visits to Nkwazi.

Second-placed Power Dynamos were defeated by at home by in-form Nkana FC in the Kitwe Derby last time out and will be desperate to bounce back when they go to Green Eagles.

But the latter are unbeaten in seven (W4 D3) games and only three points separate the teams on the table. Dynamos did win both meetings last season, scoring six goals and conceding none.

ZESCO United at one stage had a commanding lead at the top of the table but a single victory in seven games (D5 L1) means they have been caught, though they only sit two points behind Warriors.

They could return to the summit this weekend when they host Mutondo Stars, who ended a run of five straight losses with a 1-0 win over Atletico Lusaka last weekend. ZESCO took four points in fixtures between these two last season.

Nkana’s recent excellent form has seen them shoot up the table to fourth, four points off the lead.

They will hope to continue their run when they host FC MUZA, who have tended to blow hot and cold this campaign and are on a right of three straight draws. The latter have three wins, three draws and a defeat in their previous seven games.

Nkana have won three of the six previous meetings (D2 L1).

Red Arrows host Forest Rangers on Sunday, whose five-game losing streak has seen them slip into the relegation zone. Rangers are in fact winless in eight (D2 L6).

In other matches this weekend, Atletico Lusaka host winless Indeni, Nchanga Rangers welcome Green Buffaloes, Zanaco go to Mufulira Wanderers and NAPSA Stars host Lumwana Radiants.