The 19th edition of the ABSA Cup was officially launched on Monday morning at ABSA House in Lusaka, with the preliminary round draw setting the stage for another highly competitive national knockout tournament.
Sponsors ABSA Bank Zambia have increased their investment to K7 million — representing a 7.7 percent increment from last year’s allocation. The enhanced package signals continued private-sector confidence in the growth and commercial potential of Zambian football.
Prize Money Breakdown
The 2026 champions will receive K1,100,000, while the runners-up will collect K450,000. Individual excellence will also be rewarded across multiple categories:
🏆 Winning Team – K1,100,000
🥈 Runners-up – K450,000
⭐ Player of the Tournament – K25,000
⚽ Golden Boot (Top Scorer) – K25,000
🧤 Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper) – K25,000
🏅 Man of the Match (Preliminary–Round of 16) – K5,000
🏅 Man of the Match (Quarter-finals–Final) – K15,000
In addition, ABSA Bank has pledged logistical support to the eventual winners should they qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup in the 2026/27 season — a strategic incentive aimed at strengthening Zambia’s continental competitiveness.
ZESCO Qualification Reversal
In a significant administrative development, ZESCO United FC’s qualification for the ABSA Cup has been reversed following clarification from the Zambia Premier League. The league cited an outstanding Week 2 fixture against Mutondo Stars that remains unplayed.
The rescheduled match will take place before the preliminary ABSA Cup fixtures, meaning FC MUZA still has a realistic opportunity to qualify should ZESCO lose the decisive encounter. The development adds competitive intrigue ahead of the knockout stages.
Competition Format & Key Dates
The preliminary round will feature ten provincial representatives, with five progressing to the Round of 16. They will join seven MTN Super League clubs and four National Division One sides.
All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Preliminary Round Fixtures
Solwezi Mushitala Stars vs Teta FC
Forest Myooye vs Barotse Crocs
Nampundwe vs Mikalile
Mathkat United vs Play It Forward
Zambezi Portland vs Real Nakonde
Round of 16 Fixtures
Winner Match 1 vs ZESCO United / FC MUZA
Winner Match 2 vs Mufulira Wanderers FC
Winner Match 3 vs Power Dynamos FC
Roan United vs Nchanga Rangers FC
Chirundu United vs Kabwe Warriors FC
Kafue Celtic vs Zanaco FC
Winner Match 4 vs Makeni All Stars
Winner Match 5 vs Red Arrows FC
The 2026 ABSA Cup promises financial incentives, administrative drama and heightened competition across all tiers of Zambian football. With increased prize money, continental incentives and nationwide broadcast coverage, the tournament continues to cement its status as the country’s premier knockout competition.
The road to the final in May begins later this month — and the stakes have never been higher.
