Red Arrows have claimed the Samuel Zoom Ndhlovu Charity Shield after goalkeeper Charles Kalumba produced a decisive late penalty save to secure a dramatic victory over MTN Super League champions Power Dynamos.
The Airmen emerged victorious in a closely fought meeting between the winners of Zambia’s two major domestic competitions from last season, with Power Dynamos coming into the encounter as league champions and Red Arrows as ABSA Cup winners. The Charity Shield therefore provided an early meeting between the two sides as they began preparations for the new season.
Both teams were missing several key players through injuries and international commitments, creating opportunities for fringe players to impress and push for places ahead of the competitive campaign.
Power Dynamos made the brighter start and enjoyed the majority of possession, with Salulani Phiri controlling proceedings from midfield while Joshua Mutale, Frederick Mulambia and Chifundo Mphasi repeatedly looked to put the Red Arrows defence under pressure.
Kalumba was forced into action as early as the 12th minute, producing an important save to keep Red Arrows level as Power continued to threaten. The league champions maintained their pressure and created another opening shortly before the interval when Mutale found space in the 44th minute, but his effort drifted wide.
Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe responded at half-time by making two changes, introducing Yusuf Saddam Phiri and Angel Lubamba for Paul Katema and Mumba Phiri.
The substitutions brought greater balance and control to the Airmen, although Power Dynamos continued to look the more dangerous side going forward. Mutale was presented with another opportunity but once again failed to find the target.
Against the run of play, Red Arrows finally broke the deadlock in the 80th minute.
Ackim Mumba stepped up for a free-kick and produced a superb effort that beat Power Dynamos goalkeeper Josphat Lilanda, who was left rooted to the spot as the ball found the back of the net.
The goal shifted the momentum and Red Arrows came close to adding a second eight minutes later. Mumba embarked on another dangerous run before Joseph Phiri was presented with the opportunity to seal the victory, but he lifted his effort over the crossbar.
Power Dynamos were then handed a dramatic opportunity to level the contest in stoppage time when Nickson Mubili brought down Linos Makwaza inside the penalty area, prompting the referee to award a spot-kick.
Ronel Manyanga stepped forward with the chance to send the match towards a shootout, but Kalumba had other ideas.
The Red Arrows goalkeeper produced the defining moment of the contest, saving Manyanga’s penalty and preserving his side’s 1-0 advantage until the final whistle.
The save sparked celebrations from the Airmen, who walked away with the Samuel Zoom Ndhlovu Charity Shield and the first piece of silverware of the new season.
For Power Dynamos, the defeat came despite controlling much of the possession and territory. Their inability to turn that dominance into goals ultimately proved costly, while Red Arrows demonstrated greater efficiency when the decisive moments arrived.
For Red Arrows, the victory provides an early boost under Chisi Mbewe and gives the ABSA Cup champions another trophy to add to their recent domestic success as they prepare for the challenges of the new season.
