Zesco United toiled for the three points at home against Napsa Stars on Wednesday in Ndola to see them move within four points of second placed Nkana.
The 2015 FAZ Super Division champions beat Napsa Stars 1-0 on a rain-drenched pitch at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola to stay a close 3rd behind Nkana in the battle for second position.
Kondwani Mtonga headed in the ball in the 73rd minute off a Kasashi Lupiya floated ball to handed Zesco the three points.
However, Zesco earned the win the hard way thanks to an inspired performance from Napsa goalkeeper Philip Banda.
The ex-Zambia Under-20 and Chiparamba goalkeeper saved Cletus Chama’s 17th minute header and parried Jesse Were’s attempt in similar fashion on the stroke of halftime.
However, Napsa also gave Zesco’s something to think about when Jacob Banda kept out Maonga Kabuku’s shot in the 36th minute and a Justus Anene strike from an acute angle in the 39th minute.
Third placed Zesco rise to 63 points behind Nkana who have 67 with three and one game left to play respectively.
A second place finish will see the winner of that battle play in the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup.
Meanwhile, champions Zanaco put the title race beyond doubt after a 1-0 home win over Lumwana Radiants.
Midfielder Isaac Chansa found the target in the 64th minute to move them to 75 points with two games left to play.
Power Dynamos are looking set to finishing fourth after a 0-0 away draw at 6th placed Kabwe warriors.
Power have 58 points while Warriors are ten points behind with a match left to play.
