2026 ABSA Cup winners Red Arrows edged rivals Green Eagles in a fiercely contested military derby, while Konkola Blades boosted their top-10 ambitions with victory over Mines United in Thursday’s MTN Super League action.
At Nkoloma Stadium, Red Arrows emerged 2-1 winners in a dramatic contest full of intensity, crunching tackles and late tension as the Airmen defended their airspace against a spirited Green Eagles side.
The derby sparked into life in the 15th minute when Angel Lubamba gave Arrows the lead. After dazzling past his marker before being brought down near the edge of the box, Albert Kangwanda delivered a teasing set-piece which Lubamba met brilliantly, powering his finish into the top corner to send the home crowd into celebration.
Green Eagles attempted to respond immediately, with former Arrows loanee Derrick Bulaya threatening inside the area while George Chaloba repeatedly tested the hosts from distance. On the opposite flank, Ackim Mumba proved a constant outlet for Arrows, driving forward relentlessly and forcing pressure on the Eagles defence.
As the first half progressed, the match descended into a bruising midfield battle, with heavy challenges and rising tempers disrupting the rhythm of the contest. Arrows, however, carried their narrow advantage into the break.
The second half brought fresh drama when goalkeeper Kalumba was forced off injured, prompting the introduction of Jeban Tembo. Sensing vulnerability, Green Eagles launched sustained attacks, but Arrows stood firm under pressure.
Kangwanda almost doubled the advantage shortly after the restart before eventually getting his goal in the 68th minute. A cleverly worked short-corner routine involving Mumba and Zephaniah Phiri carved open the Eagles defence before Mumba delivered into the area. Mubili cushioned the ball perfectly into Kangwanda’s path and the midfielder calmly finished to make it 2-0.
Green Eagles refused to fold and finally found a breakthrough late on through Hedson Paina’s powerful strike. Initial celebrations were halted as Brian Chilimina appeared to clear off the line, but after consultation between the assistant referee and fourth official, the goal was awarded.
Despite late pressure from Bulaya and company, Arrows defended resolutely to secure an important derby victory and maintain local bragging rights.
Meanwhile, at Godfrey Ucar Chitalu Stadium, Konkola Blades claimed a valuable 2-1 away victory over Mines United.
Benjamin Saeli opened the scoring in the 13th minute after a brilliant dribble through the Mines defence before Jackson Phiri doubled the lead ten minutes into the second half.
Patrick Simwinga reduced the deficit for Mines United in the 62nd minute to set up a tense finale, while Clenn Afful had a late goal ruled out for Blades.
Phiri was later named Man of the Match following an influential display in midfield as the Sharp Razor climbed to ninth place on the table with 50 points.
MTN Super League Week 32 Results
- Red Arrows 2-1 Green Eagles
(Angel Lubamba 15’, Albert Kangwanda 68’ | Brian Chilimina 89’ og) - Mines United 1-2 Konkola Blades
(Patrick Simwinga 62’ | Benjamin Saeli 13’, Jackson Phiri 55’)
