Sporting Lusaka have been crowned 2026 Roberts Cup champions after defeating Kafue Celtic 2-0 in Saturday’s final at Nkoloma Stadium.
The Glamour Boys produced a disciplined performance to claim the trophy, overcoming a late numerical disadvantage after finishing the contest with nine players following the dismissals of left-back Lucky Daka and midfielder Martin Tumbwe.
Milner Sondashi opened the scoring in the first half with a fine finish after being picked out by Darius Musonda, who dictated proceedings in midfield.
Sporting Lusaka doubled their advantage through forward Peter Subakanya, who produced an impressive solo effort to put the result beyond Kafue Celtic.
Musonda and Tumbwe provided the platform in midfield alongside Victor ‘Bebem’ Simazuwo, while captain Blessings Sinyangwe and Moses Mwelwa formed a solid partnership at the heart of the defence.
Despite Celtic’s efforts to find a way back into the contest, Sporting held firm to secure the victory and lift the prestigious pre-season tournament trophy.
Kafue Celtic featured a strong squad, with Chama Chansa, Charles Mwitumwa, Lubosi Masheke, Nelson Chilemu and Emmanuel Mbuti among those involved.
The Crocs also had the likes of Nthasilwe, Nelson Chilemu, Zebron Banda and Golden Changwe.
In the third-place play-off, Game On claimed the bronze medal after coming from behind to beat Red Arrows Youth 3-1.
The results capped an entertaining tournament, with Kafue Celtic reaching the final after a commanding 4-0 semi-final victory over Game On, while Sporting Lusaka booked their place in the decider with a 3-1 win against Red Arrows Youth.
Roberts Cup 2026 – Final Results
Final
- Kafue Celtic 0-2 Sporting Lusaka
Third-place play-off
- Game On 3-1 Red Arrows Youth
Semi-finals
- Kafue Celtic 4-0 Game On
- Sporting Lusaka 3-1 Red Arrows Youth
Venue: Nkoloma Stadium
Kafue Celtic Xl : Kasonde Kabanda – Golden Changwe (Harrison Wina 64′), Emmanuel Mbuti, Zebron Banda, Emmanuel Chisabalanga (Emmanuel Kamwengo 46′)- Nelson Chilemu, Lubosi Masheke (Mulama Mutashi 72′), Charles Mwituma – Lesa Mwape, Chama Chansa (Chama Chansa 72′), Kenneth Muyutu (Nthasiliwe Malupande 46′)
Unused Substitutes – Thomas Mwashilinji, Charles Sitali
Sporting Lusaka XI : John Mwela – Victor Sakala, Moses Mwelwa, Blessings Sinyangwe, Lucky Banda – Victor Simazuwo, Martin Tumbwe, Darius Musonda – Milner Sondashi (Chrispine Banda 52′), Peter Subakanya (Mubanga Chipasha 90′), Henry Daka (Shadreck Kunda 85′)
Unused Substitutes – Arthur Banda, Gideon Lupiya, Handson Chulu, Choonya Shampongo
