Red Arrows Edge Past Power Dynamos to Reach ABSA Cup Final
Defending champions Red Arrows have booked their place in the 2025 ABSA Cup final after overcoming a tough challenge from Power Dynamos with a narrow 1-0 victory at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
It was a tense and fiercely contested encounter, with both sides showing why they are among Zambia’s elite clubs. However, it was Joseph Phiri who proved to be the difference-maker, scoring the only goal of the match to send the Airmen through to their second consecutive ABSA Cup final.
Red Arrows started the game brightly, showing intent to dominate possession and push Power Dynamos onto the back foot. Despite a few early chances for both sides, the breakthrough came midway through the first half when Joseph Phiri latched onto a loose ball inside the box and coolly slotted home past the Power Dynamos goalkeeper.
Power Dynamos responded by upping the tempo after the break, throwing more bodies forward in search of an equalizer. However, Red Arrows’ defense, marshaled expertly by their experienced backline, stood firm and frustrated the opposition with resolute defending and tactical discipline.
Coach Chisi Mbewe’s side showed maturity and game management, expertly slowing down play when needed and breaking up Power’s rhythm. In the dying minutes, Power Dynamos pushed hard, sending in crosses and set pieces, but Arrows goalkeeper Charles Kalumba was equal to the task, making a couple of crucial saves to preserve his clean sheet.
The final whistle sparked wild celebrations among the Red Arrows players and fans, as they now move one step closer to retaining the ABSA Cup title they won last year. The Airmen have demonstrated once again why they are considered one of Zambia’s top teams, combining defensive solidity with clinical finishing at crucial moments.
Red Arrows will now await the winner of the other semifinal clash to determine who they will face in the highly anticipated 2025 ABSA Cup final.
Speaking after the match, coach Chisi Mbewe praised his players’ fighting spirit and focus:
“I’m very proud of the boys. It was a tough game, but they showed character, discipline, and determination. We are happy to reach another final, but the job is not yet done. We will now shift our focus to preparing for the big day.
