Red Arrows began their new domestic campaign with a 1-0 victory over Power Dynamos to lift the 2026 Zambian Charity Shield at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
The Airmen sealed victory with a late Ackim Mumba free-kick on 80 minutes, in a tightly contested encounter between the reigning MTN Super League and ABSA Cup champions.
The victory came on the eve of the burial of Lieutenant General Peter Dingiswayo Zuze, Zambia’s first indigenous Air Force Commander, with Red Arrows dedicating the triumph to his legacy.
Mumba provided the decisive moment when he converted from a dead-ball situation to put Red Arrows ahead with 10 minutes of normal time remaining.
Power Dynamos pushed for an equaliser and were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after Linos Makwaza was brought down inside the area.
However, Ronnel Manyanga was unable to convert from the spot as Red Arrows goalkeeper Charles Kalumba produced an outstanding save to preserve his side’s lead.
The final whistle confirmed a 1-0 victory for Red Arrows and handed the Airmen another piece of silverware at the start of the new campaign.
The result also continues Red Arrows’ strong run of form after their involvement in continental competition, with the Lusaka side now turning their attention back to domestic football.
For Power Dynamos, the defeat was a frustrating end to a closely fought contest, having been denied by Kalumba’s late penalty save.
Red Arrows will now look to build on the Charity Shield success as they prepare for another demanding season on both the domestic and continental fronts.
