2025 ABSA Cup final

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2025 ABSA Cup Final
Event2025 ABSA Cup
ZESCO United Red Arrows
1 1
ZESCO United
won 4–2 on penalties
Date10 May 2025
VenueLevy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola
RefereeJames Phiri
Attendance30,425
WeatherSunny
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The 2025 Absa Cup final was a football match played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, on 10 May 2025, between ZESCO United and Red Arrows to determine the winners of the 2025 Absa Cup.[1] It was the 18th final of Zambia's premier domestic cup competition, organised by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

This was ZESCO United's eighth appearance in the final, a tournament record,[2] while Red Arrows, the defending champions, were seeking their third overall cup win. ZESCO won the match 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, with goalkeeper Gregory Sanjase making two crucial saves in the shootout.

A first-half goal from Abraham Siankombo gave ZESCO the lead, but Red Arrows equalised early in the second half through Joseph Phiri.[3][4] The victory earned ZESCO their seventh Absa Cup title,[5] extending their record as the most successful club in the competition's history.[6] For Red Arrows, this was their second consecutive Absa Cup final appearance.[6]

Route to the final

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Main article: 2025 ABSA Cup

Zesco United

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Zesco United's route to the final
Round Opposition Score
1/8 Finals Barts FC (A) 3–1
Quarterfinals Konkola Blades (N) 2–0
Semifinals Nkana (N) 1–0
Key: (H) = Home venue; (A) = Away venue; (N) = Neutral venue

Zesco United entered the competition in the Round of 16. They began their campaign with a 3–1 victory over Barts FC in Kabwe, with goals from Lindo Mkhota, Peter Musukuma, and John Chingandu. In the quarterfinals, Zesco United defeated Konkola Blades 2–0 at a neutral venue in Kitwe, thanks to goals from Abraham Siankombo and Lindo Mkhota. In the semifinals at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, a second-half goal from Peter Musukuma secured a narrow 1–0 win over Nkana to send Zesco into the final.[5]

Red Arrows

[edit]
Red Arrows' route to the final
Round Opposition Score
1/8 Finals Mpulungu Harbour (A) 6–1
Quarterfinals Green Eagles (H) 3–1
Semifinals Power Dynamos (N) 1–0
Key: (H) = Home venue; (A) = Away venue; (N) = Neutral venue

Red Arrows also joined the tournament in the Round of 16, where they thrashed Mpulungu Harbour 6–1 with goals from Wilfred Sikanyika, Paul Katema, Saddam Yusuf Phiri, Noris Mubanga, Derrick Bulaya, and Angel Lubamba. In the quarterfinals at Nkoloma Stadium, Red Arrows secured a 3–1 win against Green Eagles, with goals by Sikanyika and Michee Malonga (who scored twice). A tight semifinal saw Joseph Phiri net the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Power Dynamos, sending Red Arrows into the final.[5]

Match

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Summary

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ZESCO United took the lead in the 28th minute through Abraham Siankombo, but Red Arrows equalized in the 53rd minute with a goal from Joseph Phiri.[7] Both teams created chances but failed to break the deadlock, sending the game to penalties.[4] ZESCO United converted all four of their spot-kicks, while Red Arrows missed two.

Details

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Final
ZESCO United1–1
(4–2 pen.)		Red Arrows
Abraham Siankombo 28' Joseph Phiri 53'
Penalties
 4–2
Attendance: 30,425
Referee: James Phiri

See also

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References

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  1. ^ zamobserver (2025-05-11). "BALLY GRACES ABSA CUP FINAL IN NDOLA - The Zambian Observer". Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  2. ^ "ABSA Cup; ZESCO edge Nkana to reach record extending eighth final - ZamFoot". zambianfootball.co.zm. 2025-04-26. Retrieved 2025-07-21.
  3. ^ Mubanga, Aaron (May 10, 2025). "ZESCO win record extending seventh ABSA Cup title". zambianfootball.co.zm.
  4. ^ a b "Zambia: ZESCO United beat Red Arrows to lift ABSA Cup - panafricafootball". getbootstrap.com. 2025-05-10. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  5. ^ a b c "2025 ABSA CUP: ZESCO eye seventh title as Arrows look to defend their crown - ZamFoot". zambianfootball.co.zm. 2025-05-10. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  6. ^ a b "Zesco, Arrows battle for ABSA Cup glory". Zambia: News Diggers!. Retrieved 2025-07-22.
  7. ^ Mbabala, John (2025-05-10). ""I Am Very Happy" -Siwale On Zesco United Clinching 7th ABSA Cup Title After Win Over Red Arrows". Bolanews. Retrieved 2025-07-22.