Nkana continue to enjoy a healthy lead at the summit of the Faz Super League table after a 1-0 home win over promoted Kabwe Warriors.
The record 12-time champions extended their lead from three to five points at the top of the log after picking up their fourth straight victory and maintaining their perfect start to 2016.
However, it took until the last 20 minutes of the match for Nkana to break the deadlock and not concede a goal for the first time this season.
Jacob Ngulube’s 70th-minute trademark volley when he connected with a Donashano Malama throw-in separated the two sides in this Week 4 game played at Nkana Stadium in Kitwe.
Nkana move to 12 points from four games to maintain their one hundred percent start to the campaign.
Behind them are promoted Lusaka Tigers on seven points who drew 1-1 away to Green Buffaloes at Independence Stadium in Lusaka.
Brian Mwila put Buffaloes ahead in the 40th minute but Tigers stole a point with an 85th-minute equaliser through Martin Bwalya.
In the early kick-off at the same venue, Nchanga Rangers bounced back to winning ways with a 2-1 away victory over Lusaka Dynamos.
Floyd Phiri put Nchanga ahead in the 31st minute but Emmanuel Habasimbi equalised in the 40th minute.
Nchanga’s promising striker Emmanuel Banda scored his debut goal for the club six minutes before full-time to see them bounce back from Sunday’s 2-1 home defeat to Zanaco.
Across town at Woodlands Stadium, Forest Rangers beat hosts Napsa Stars 1-0 courtesy of a Nawa Nawa goal in the 76th minute.
And at Edwin Emboela Stadium, promoted Lumwana Radiants suffered their first loss of the season after a 4-0 away defeat at Nkwazi.
A Steward Chikandiwa hat-trick and a Kalaba Chikwanda goal handed Nkwazi their first win of the season.
In Mazabuka, Nakambala Leopards too won their first game of the season after a 1-0 home win over Green Eagles in their Southern Province derby.
Lameck Banda’s stoppage time goal in the 93rd minute seal their opening win of the campaign.