ABSA Cup Round of 16 Set for Thrilling Showdowns Across Three Towns
The 2025 ABSA Cup Round of 16 promises exciting football action, with eight matches set to take place across Kabwe, Kitwe, and Lusaka. This year’s edition is historic, as Kabwe will host ABSA Cup matches for the first time in the tournament’s history.
Five Provincial Division One teams will compete against four National Division One sides and seven MTN Super League clubs, as they battle for a spot in the quarterfinals. The winner of the tournament will walk away with K1,000,000, while the runner-up will receive K400,000.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the fixtures and what to expect from the upcoming games.
Key Fixtures and Match Previews
Saturday, April 5, 2025
🕛 Solwezi Academy vs. Konkola Blades (Arthur Davies Stadium, Kitwe – 12:30 PM)
North Western Province representatives, Solwezi Academy, will take on National League side Konkola Blades in what promises to be a fascinating early kick-off encounter.
The Blades, known for their resilience, will aim to avoid an upset against the youthful Solwezi side.
🕛 Kansanshi Dynamos vs. Green Buffaloes (Railway Grounds, Kabwe – 12:30 PM)
Kansanshi Dynamos, hopeful for a return to the Super League, face 2015 ABSA Cup champions Green Buffaloes in what will be the first-ever ABSA Cup match in Kabwe.
With Green Buffaloes bringing experience, Kansanshi will need a strong performance to progress.
🕒 Roan United vs. Nkana (Arthur Davies Stadium, Kitwe – 3:00 PM)
A classic rivalry between two of Zambia’s historic teams, as Nkana face Roan United in a highly anticipated match.
Fans from Wusakile and Luanshya will relive memories of past epic encounters, making this a must-watch fixture.
🕒 Mpulungu Harbour vs. Red Arrows (Railway Grounds, Kabwe – 3:00 PM)
Defending champions Red Arrows will begin their title defense against Mpulungu Harbour, who will be looking to cause an upset.
Arrows’ experience and firepower could prove too much for the National Division One side.
Sunday, April 6, 2025
🕛 Bart’s United vs. ZESCO United (Railway Grounds, Kabwe – 12:30 PM)
Youthful Bart’s United will test their strength against six-time ABSA Cup champions ZESCO United.
ZESCO’s experience makes them favorites, but Bart’s United will be eager to prove themselves.
🕛 Prison Leopards vs. Green Eagles (Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka – 12:30 PM)
A service derby sees Prison Leopards battle Green Eagles in Lusaka.
Both sides have been solid in league football, making this a balanced contest.
🕒 Air Power vs. Power Dynamos (Railway Grounds, Kabwe – 3:00 PM)
🕒 Makeni All Stars vs. Kabwe Warriors (Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka – 3:00 PM)
Kabwe Warriors, a side in good form, take on Makeni All Stars in the final game of the Round of 16.
The Warriors will be favorites, but the Lusaka-based side will aim to surprise their opponents.
Prize Money Breakdown
💰 Winners – K1,000,000
🥈 Runners-up – K400,000
🏆 Player of the Tournament – K25,000
⚽ Golden Boot (Top Scorer) – K25,000
🧤 Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper) – K25,000
🏅 Man of the Match (Preliminary Round to Round of 16) – K5,000
💰 Man of the Match (Quarterfinals, Semifinals & Final) – K15,000
🚍 Travel Subsidy – Between K30,000 and K50,000 depending on distance
Conclusion
The ABSA Cup Round of 16 promises high-stakes action, with both underdogs and established teams looking to make their mark. With matches spread across three different towns, fans will witness thrilling contests, including historic rivalries and potential upsets.
With a K1,000,000 prize on the line, teams will give everything to book a place in the next round. Who will progress to the quarterfinals? Football fans are in for a thrilling weekend!
