Red Arrows have been crowned 2026 ABSA Cup champions following a commanding 2-0 victory over Power Dynamos in the final played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The Airmen produced a disciplined and clinical performance to overcome the Kitwe giants and secure one of the biggest trophies in Zambian domestic football.
Goals from Albert Kangwanda and Lazarous Chishimba ensured Red Arrows lifted the ABSA Cup trophy while also booking their place in the CAF Confederation Cup.
Kangwanda Opens the Scoring
The final began as a tightly contested affair, with both sides looking cautious during the opening stages of the match.
However, Red Arrows eventually broke the deadlock right on the stroke of halftime when in-form striker Albert Kangwanda found the back of the net in the 45th minute.
The goal gave the Airmen a massive boost heading into the break and shifted momentum firmly in their favour.
Kangwanda’s strike also added to his impressive tournament campaign, further underlining his importance to the team.
Chishimba Seals the Victory
Red Arrows returned from halftime with even greater intensity and quickly doubled their advantage in the 53rd minute through Lazarous Chishimba.
The goal left Power Dynamos chasing the game, but the league champions struggled to respond against a well-organised Red Arrows side.
The Airmen remained compact defensively while continuing to threaten on the counterattack as they comfortably managed the remainder of the contest.
By the final whistle, Red Arrows had fully deserved their victory after outplaying Power Dynamos in one of their most complete performances of the season.
Coaches React After the Final
Power Dynamos coach Osward Mutapa admitted his side failed to perform on the big occasion and credited Red Arrows for their dominance.
“We didn’t come to the party today. Red Arrows subdued us. We could have played much better,” said Mutapa.
Meanwhile, Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe expressed delight after guiding his side to cup glory.
“I’m truly happy. We stuck to the plan from the first whistle and collected maximum points,” he said.
Individual Awards
Several players were also recognised for their outstanding performances during the tournament.
- Albert Kangwanda won both the Player of the Tournament and Top Scorer awards, walking away with K40,000.
- Joseph Phiri was named Man of the Match in the final and received K15,000.
- Charles Kalumba claimed the Golden Glove Award, also earning K15,000.
The awards capped off a memorable tournament for Red Arrows, who dominated both collectively and individually.
CAF Confederation Cup Qualification Secured
With the victory, Red Arrows have officially secured qualification to the CAF Confederation Cup, giving the club another opportunity to represent Zambia on the continental stage.
Meanwhile, Power Dynamos finished runners-up and received K450,000 despite missing out on the trophy.
Conclusion
Red Arrows did not just win the ABSA Cup final — they delivered a statement performance.
From Albert Kangwanda’s opener to Lazarous Chishimba’s second-half strike, the Airmen showed quality, discipline, and championship mentality throughout the contest.
Now crowned 2026 ABSA Cup champions, Red Arrows will shift their attention towards continental football as they prepare for another challenge in the CAF Confederation Cup.
