The 2022 ABSA Cup started on an exciting note on Saturday at Arthur Davies Stadium and saw Nkana and Green Eagles progressing to the semifinals.
Both Kalampa and the Kawale Boys needed penalties to dispatch off Lumwana Radiants and ZESCO United respectively.
The action continues this afternoon with two amazing fixtures as NAPSA Stars battles Green Buffaloes and Nkwazi square off with Red Arrows.
NAPSA Stars Vs Green Buffaloes
The Early kick off will see National Division One side, NAPSA Stars take on Zambia army sponsored outfit, Green Buffaloes for a place in the semifinals.
The Pensioners were Champions in 2012 and finalists in 2017 losing to Zanaco at the National Heroes Stadium.
Musonda Kapembwa is expected to lead the attack for NAPSA Stars. He is the team’s top goalscorer with seven goals so far this season.
NAPSA head coach Perry Mutapa is full of respect for Buffaloes who he says are a big team.
“Tough game, obviously coming from difficult last three games for both teams. They (Buffaloes) started well but have struggled in the last ten , eleven games. If you look at where they are on the table, fifth and just a few points from the top which means they are a very strong side,” Mutapa said.
Meanwhile Green Buffaloes won the ABSA Cup in 2015 and were runners up six years earlier when they lost 2-1 to Power Dynamos.
Justin Chinama’s team has had a tricky second half of the season after starting very well but can not be underrated as they usually turn up with big performances.
Winger Golden Mashata could be back after recovering from injury but it’s not clear how much involvement he will have in today’s game.
Chinama can still rely on Martin Njobvu and George Ngoma for goals upfront with creativity from Paul Simpemba and Robin Siame.
The winner will set up an exciting semifinal tie with 2018 Champions, Nkana.
Nkwazi Vs Red Arrows
The second match of the day will see 2015 finalists, Nkwazi face off with Zambia Super League log leaders, Red Arrows.
With the league and top four seemingly sleeping away from the Zambia police sponsored outfit, The ABSA Cup provides a perfect opportunity for a chance at silverware.
Stephen Mutama is expected to pull the strings in the middle with Wezzy Kumwenda and Christopher Zulu expected to get the goals for Dennis Makinka’s men.
This has been a fairytale season for Red Arrows as they lead the log table and look set to dethrone ZESCO United at the end of the season.
The Airmen now have a chance to lay their hands on the prestigious ABSA Cup and it starts with a tricky Nkwazi at Arthur Davies Stadium this afternoon.
With coach Chisi Mbewe away in Tanzania doing his final module for a CAF A course, Goalkeeper coach Kalililo Kakonje will take charge of the team with the help of technical director Oswald Mutapa.
Malian midfielder Alassane Diarra who told the ZamFoot Crew that he is eager to take part in his first ABSA Cup will be vital in the midfield battle to tip the scales in Arrows favor.
Kakonje is spoilt for choice upfront with the veteran James Chamanga providing experience, Ricky Banda being in fantastic form, Joseph Phiri and Alidor Kayembe also providing alternatives.
The winner will face Green Eagles in the semifinals.
Tickets for these blockbuster matches are available at CompuTicket across all Shoprite stores countrywide at K20 open wing and K50 grandstand.
Sunday 13 March, 2022
12:30hours NAPSA Stars Vs Green Buffaloes | Arthur Davies Stadium | Live on Supersport Channel 229 Variety 4
15:00hours Nkwazi Vs Red Arrows | Arthur Davies Stadium | Live on Supersport Channel 229 Variety 4
