Written by Aaron Mubanga JnrZambia sports betting writer
Published 20 October 2026
Nkana FC have emerged as the early pace-setters in the MTN Super League transitional season after making it three consecutive victories, but defending champions Power Dynamos and a resurgent FC MUZA are already positioning themselves for a competitive race at the top of Stream A.
The 13-time Zambian league champions moved to 9 points from three matches following Sunday’s 2-0 victory over Nchanga Rangers at Nkana Stadium, while FC MUZA climbed to second place with 7 points after edging Makeni All Stars 1-0 on Saturday.
Power Dynamos, who are seeking to defend their league crown, strengthened their challenge with a 2-1 victory over Trident FC, recording back-to-back home wins to move to 6 points.
With the transitional competition divided into two streams, the early standings suggest that the battle for a place in the final could develop into a compelling contest between established contenders and ambitious challengers.
Nkana make a statement
Nkana have made the strongest start in Stream A, collecting all nine available points from their opening three matches.
Lazarous Kambole and Patrick Gondwe scored in the 22nd and 44th minutes respectively as the Kitwe giants secured a comfortable win over Nchanga Rangers, extending their winning streak to three matches.
Their early form is particularly encouraging given their pedigree as Zambia’s most successful league club, with 13 league titles to their name.
Nkana have also demonstrated defensive discipline, conceding just once in their opening three fixtures. If they maintain that balance between attacking efficiency and defensive solidity, they will be difficult to dislodge from the summit.
However, the season remains in its infancy, and the pressure will be on the Kitwe side to sustain their momentum as the competition intensifies.
FC MUZA emerge as serious challengers
FC MUZA have quietly positioned themselves among the leading contenders after collecting 7 points from their opening three matches.
A late penalty from Lewis Kasono secured a 1-0 victory over Makeni All Stars on Saturday, taking Phiri’s side into second place and keeping them within 2 points of Nkana.
MUZA’s early consistency could prove significant in a competition where every point matters. Their ability to grind out a result in a closely contested match against Makeni demonstrated the value of patience and composure.
They are now firmly in the early title conversation, although maintaining their form against the league’s more established sides will provide a clearer indication of their ambitions.
Defending champions Power Dynamos finding their rhythm
Power Dynamos have responded positively after an inconsistent opening to their title defence, winning consecutive home matches to move to 6 points.
Joshua Mutale opened the scoring against Trident before Sam Sikasote equalised for the visitors. Andy Boyeli then struck to secure a 2-1 victory for the Kitwe outfit.
The result lifted Power to fourth place, level on points and goal difference with Konkola Blades.
As reigning champions, Power remain one of the teams to beat. Their experience of navigating a title race gives them an advantage, but they will need to turn their improving form into sustained consistency if they are to retain their crown.
The defending champions will also be aware that Nkana’s flawless start and MUZA’s early momentum leave little room for further dropped points.
Red Arrows bring cup-winning pedigree
Red Arrows, winners of the 2026 ABSA Cup, also have the quality and experience to influence the wider title conversation, although their early campaign must be assessed alongside their Stream B rivals.
The Airmen’s cup triumph underlined their ability to compete for major honours, while their experience in domestic and continental football makes them an important side to watch.
Their immediate challenge is to establish consistency in the league and keep pace with the early leaders in Stream B, where Green Eagles have made an impressive start.
Green Eagles currently lead that stream with 9 points from three matches, while Green Buffaloes occupy second place on 5 points.
The standings underline that the competition for the Stream B summit is also beginning to take shape, with Red Arrows among the clubs expected to push for a leading position.
Kansanshi recover as Konkola remain in contention
Kansanshi Dynamos registered their first victory of the season with a 2-1 win over Konkola Blades on Saturday, providing coach Dennis Makinka with a timely boost.
Joseph Ssemujju opened the scoring in the 4th minute before veteran Congolese striker Idris Mbombo equalised for Konkola just before half-time. Musangala then converted a 75th-minute penalty to secure maximum points for Kansanshi.
The result took Kansanshi to sixth place, while Konkola Blades remained on 6 points in third position, despite missing the opportunity to close the gap on Nkana.
Konkola’s early results suggest they could remain competitive in the race, but their response following the defeat will be important as the standings begin to separate.
Elsewhere, Zanaco and NAPSA Stars shared the points in a 1-1 draw in the Lusaka derby. Dickson Chapa’s 85th-minute penalty appeared to have won the contest for NAPSA before Joseph Kiala Wa Kiala struck in stoppage time to rescue a point for Zanaco.
The result left both sides with work to do if they are to challenge the leading teams in Stream A.
Green Eagles set the pace in Stream B
While Nkana lead Stream A, Green Eagles have established themselves as the early benchmark in Stream B after winning all three of their opening matches to collect 9 points.
Green Buffaloes are their nearest challengers on 5 points. Chirundu United recorded a commanding 3-0 win over Mutondo Stars on Sunday.
The result moved Chirundu to 4 points from three matches.
At the other end of the table, Mutondo Stars remain without a point after three consecutive defeats, while ZESCO United, Mufulira Wanderers, Green Buffaloes and Nkwazi FC were involved in goalless draws during Sunday’s action.
The early Stream B standings suggest Green Eagles have the advantage, but the presence of experienced sides such as Red Arrows means the contest remains open.
A long road to the final
The 2026 transitional season runs to 31 January, with 20 clubs divided into Stream A and Stream B. Each team is scheduled to play 18 matches in its stream, with the two stream winners meeting in the final on 31 January.
That format places a premium on consistency. A strong start can provide momentum and breathing space, but a short run of poor results could quickly change the complexion of the standings.
For now, Nkana have the early advantage in Stream A, with FC MUZA and Power Dynamos close behind. Green Eagles are setting the pace in Stream B, while Red Arrows and other established sides will be looking to strengthen their positions.
The defending champions have begun to find their rhythm, the record champions are leading the way, and challengers are emerging across both streams.
The title race is still in its early stages, but the opening weeks have already offered a reminder that reputations alone will not decide who reaches the final. Consistency, squad depth and the ability to win tight matches are likely to determine which clubs remain in contention when the decisive phase arrives.
