Arrows, Warriors Reach ABSA Cup Final

PIC CREDIT: FAZ MEDIA

Red Arrows and Kabwe Warriors will meet in the 2024 ABSA Cup final following Saturdays respective victories in the semifinal double-header played at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe.

2013 winners Arrows have a prospective double in store for the 2023/2024 season after rallying to beat Nchanga R it 6angers 2-1.

UqNchanga who are chasing topflight promotion went toe to toe with the 2023/2024 league champions designates before they succumbed late in the second half.

Nchanga came into the game with quite a reputation after they eliminated record 6-time winners Zesco United in the quarterfinals on post-match shootouts, took the lead in the 39th minute through Angel Lubamba.

They could have doubled their lead in the 45th minute Kingsley Fichite but Arrows goalkeeper Charles Kalumba pulled off a sublime save.

Arrows comeback started in the 68th minute when Ricky Banda headed in the equalizer after missing a sure chance in the 58th minute.

Alassane Diarra put the contest to bed in the 84th minute with a goal of the season contender after firing in a fine shot from the edge of the area.

In the lunch time kickoff, Warriors also beat 2023 runners up FC MUZA 2-1 to reach their debut ABSA Cup final after six successive quarterfinal exits.

Warriors took a one-nil half time lead through a 3rd minute Godfrey Binga header.

MUZA levelled in the 75th minute through Kelvin Mwanza.

But Warriors won a penalty in the 84th minute when Munda Phiri tumbled in the box and Ocean Mushure converted the spotkick to send the Kabwe side to it's first major cup final appearance since winning the 2007 BP Top 8 title.

Warriors and Arrows will meet in the final on May 11 at National Heroes Stadium with the latter seeking their second ABSA Cup title.