Red Arrows were crowned 2026 ABSA Cup champions on Sunday after defeating MTN Super League winners Power Dynamos 2-0 in an entertaining final at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The Airmen denied Power Dynamos a league and cup double after the Kitwe giants had already sealed the league title with games to spare.
Albert Kangwanda opened the scoring on the stroke of half-time before Lazarus Chishimba produced a superb finish early in the second half to seal victory for Chisi Mbewe’s side.
Kangwanda struck in the 45th minute after Power Dynamos failed to deal with a dangerous delivery from the left flank. John Soko’s attempted clearance fell kindly to Joseph Phiri, whose effort was saved by Lawrence Mulenga, but the rebound dropped invitingly for Kangwanda to slot home from close range.
The goal was Kangwanda’s fourth of the tournament and gave Red Arrows a deserved lead heading into the break.
Red Arrows doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second half when Chishimba fired in from a tight angle with an emphatic finish that left Mulenga with no chance.
Power Dynamos pushed for a response but were unable to break down a disciplined Red Arrows defence marshalled by goalkeeper Charles Kalumba, Cedric Onyumbe, Michee Malonga, Norris Mubili and Brian Chilimina.
The triumph handed Red Arrows their third ABSA Cup title, adding to their previous successes in 2013 and 2024. Only ZESCO United, with seven titles, have won the competition more times.
Red Arrows walked away with the K1.1 million winners’ prize, while runners-up Power Dynamos received K450,000.
Joseph Phiri was named Player of the Match and earned K15,000 for his performance, while Kalumba collected the Golden Glove award and K25,000 as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Kangwanda capped off a memorable campaign by winning both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards.
Full-time: Power Dynamos 0-2 Red Arrows
(Albert Kangwanda 45’, Lazarus Chishimba 54’)
