Red Arrows underlined their status as one of Zambia’s dominant forces on Sunday after defeating Power Dynamos 2-0 to lift the 2026 ABSA Cup at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The victory denied Power Dynamos a coveted league and cup double after the Kitwe giants had already wrapped up the MTN Super League title with games to spare.
From tactical discipline to individual brilliance, the final offered several talking points as the domestic season nears its conclusion.
Zambia’s Two Outstanding Sides
The final once again confirmed that Red Arrows and Power Dynamos are currently the benchmark teams in Zambian football.
It was fitting that the country’s two CAF representatives served up a contest of high quality, intensity and tactical organisation. While there were periods where the tempo dipped, the overall standard reflected two sides operating above the rest domestically.
Power Dynamos came into the match unbeaten in 18 matches across all competitions, yet Red Arrows once again proved they are perhaps the only local side capable of consistently matching — and unsettling — the league champions.
Albert Kangwanda Continues To Shine
Albert Kangwanda once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the brightest attacking talents in the MTN Super League.
The forward opened the scoring and remained a constant threat throughout the contest with his movement, composure and attacking intelligence.
Kangwanda capped off an outstanding ABSA Cup campaign by claiming both the Golden Boot and Player of the Tournament awards after contributing more than seven goals during the competition.
Only Moses Shumah has scored more league goals this season, further highlighting Kangwanda’s growing importance on the domestic scene.
Ackim Mumba’s Pace Remains A Major Weapon
Ackim Mumba delivered one of the standout performances of the final with his relentless running and direct attacking play.
The Red Arrows winger repeatedly troubled the Power Dynamos backline, particularly Kondwani Chiboni, with his explosive pace and willingness to take on defenders.
Mumba’s deliveries into the box consistently stretched the opposition defence, and his display capped off what has been an impressive tournament campaign.
Chisi Mbewe’s Winning Legacy Grows
Chisi Mbewe continues to strengthen his reputation as one of the most successful coaches in Red Arrows history.
Since taking charge in 2018, Mbewe has transformed the Airmen into serial contenders on multiple fronts. The club has now secured two MTN Super League titles and two ABSA Cup crowns during his tenure, while also finishing runners-up twice in the competition.
Beyond the silverware, Mbewe has assembled a squad capable of sustaining success both domestically and on the continental stage.
Red Arrows Have Become Power Dynamos’ Bogey Team
Few teams in Zambia currently possess a psychological edge over Power Dynamos — but Red Arrows clearly do.
Sunday’s victory extended the Airmen’s unbeaten run against Abayellow to nine matches in all competitions, a remarkable sequence that includes six wins and three draws.
The last Power Dynamos victory in this fixture came back in 2022 when Kennedy Musonda and Joshua Mutale were on target.
Since then, Chisi Mbewe’s side have consistently found answers against the nine-time league champions, further cementing their status as Power Dynamos’ most troublesome domestic opponents.
The Financial Reward
Red Arrows walked away with K1.1 million in prize money for lifting the 2026 ABSA Cup, while Power Dynamos earned K450,000 as runners-up — further evidence of the growing stature and commercial value of Zambia’s premier cup competition.
