Red Arrows head coach Chisi Mbewe has described Sunday’s 2026 ABSA Cup final against Power Dynamos as a “highly tactical” contest, warning his side must avoid complacency if they are to lift the trophy.
The two top-flight giants will clash at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium with both teams chasing silverware after an intense domestic campaign.
Mbewe acknowledged Power’s impressive form this season but insisted Arrows are fully prepared for the challenge.
“I think Power Dynamos is a very good team. I think it’s going to be a very highly tactical game,” Mbewe said.
“The only way we can beat Power Dynamos is by scoring and not allowing them to score against us. But the most important thing is that we have chances. It’s a final and we just have to take them.”
The Airmen are still haunted by last season’s ABSA Cup final defeat to ZESCO United, a loss Mbewe believes can serve as motivation heading into Sunday’s showdown.
“The feeling of losing the ABSA Cup last season is still with us,” he said.
“This is not a game we can take lightly or think we can win through talking. We just need to apply ourselves, fight and ensure that this time around we walk away with the trophy.”
Mbewe revealed his side has also worked extensively on penalties, anticipating a closely contested encounter that could go beyond regulation time.
“This is a game that can go 90 minutes at 0-0 and then into penalties,” he added.
“We have prepared adequately in all areas and if it goes to penalties, we are ready to make sure we carry the game this time around.”
After narrowly missing out on the league title, the ABSA Cup represents Red Arrows’ final opportunity to end the season with silverware.
“We want to walk away with something after a hard-fought season,” Mbewe said.
“This is our only hope after the league slipped from our hands. Every player is motivated and knows how important this game is.”
Power Dynamos head into the final seeking a domestic double after clinching the league crown, while Red Arrows are aiming to reclaim the cup and cap off their campaign on a high.
The winners of the ABSA Bank Zambia-sponsored competition will receive K1.1 million, while the runners-up will earn K450,000.
Individual awards worth K25,000 each will also be presented for Player of the Tournament, Golden Boot and Golden Glove, while Man-of-the-Match winners during the finals weekend will pocket K15,000.
Tickets for the final are available online via FAZ Tech Pay, with discounted prices offered for advance online purchases.
