Skip to main content

ABSA CUP - WHO ARE YOU COUNTING ON TO CASH IN?

By Lucky Mwewa Chama

Lusaka - The days are slowly drawing close to kick off of the 2020 ABSA Cup with eight teams in contention to be crowned champions of the richest championship in the land.

Ladies and gentlemen, we are talking about K600 000 as the ultimate prize money for the champions. The runners up will walk away with K250 000. Which of the eight teams are you counting on to clinch the ABSA Cup?

Intriguing fixtures are on the line this coming weekend with six times winners Zesco United pitted against their town rivals and Super League leaders Forest Rangers, the tie looks close to call and the pendulum can swing either way in this match.

Yes, Kitwe United might be playing in the National Division because the fact that they are facing town rivals, Nkana FC makes this match to be amongst the mouthwatering encounters. Derbies always leave the fans in suspense and this could be the case in this game. A Nkana fan will see an easy win over Chingalika.

Muhammad Fathi faces his former employers in the form of Kabwe Warriors as Napsa Stars look to add a second star on their ABSA Cup winners badge. This is a game which will be determined by the form of the two teams, currently momentum looks to be with the Pensioners. Nevertheless, the Railway men know that this game is like a whirlwind, it can go either way. Crunchy encounter.

Green Eagles avoided the "big boys" and will come up against Young Green Eagles. On paper the Kawale Boys will be favorites to 'Tonka Tweende' out of this fixture. Well you followed the 2018 edition of the ABSA Cup, you probably remember Young Green Buffaloes. Young Green Eagles will draw their motivation from their colleagues who went all the way to the finals. Mostly, the driving force in such games for a lesser fancied side will be the exposure the players will get if they go further in the competition. ZNS affair!

Indeed, these are intriguing fixtures, Nkoloma Stadium will be the place to be next weekend.

FIXTURES

Saturday - 21/03/20

13:00Hrs - Napsa Stars Vs Kabwe Warriors


15:00Hrs - Zesco United Vs Forest Rangers


Sunday - 22/03/20

13:00Hrs - Nkana Vs Kitwe United
15:00Hrs - Green Eagles Vs Young Green Eagles

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

"We started AFCON Qualifiers without a substantive coach," Kamanga regrets

  Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga says it is regrettable that the Chipolopolo started the campaign without a substantive coach in place which saw them lose the first two matches against Algeria away and against Zimbabwe in the AFCON Qualifiers. In his President Column, Kamanga says the Association’s efforts to recruit a coach suffered serious resistance leaving the Football governing body to rely on local coaches that oversaw the first two matches. In reference to Micho’s appointment, Kamanga says it is never easy taking the stewardship of any team midway through a campaign as tough as the Africa Cup of Nations.  "In reflecting on this failure, we cannot avoid regretting that we started the campaign without a substantive coach in place which saw us lose the first two matches against Algeria away (5-0) and against Zimbabwe (2-1). Our efforts to recruit a coach suffered serious resistance leaving us to rely on our local coaches that oversaw the firs...

Tottenham, Everton closely monitoring Salzburg striker Patson Daka

  Chipolopolo and Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka's goal scoring form has reportedly made him a subject of transfer interest from several European clubs. Goal.com reports that several European clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in the Premier League are closely monitoring Daka following his exploits in the Austrian Bundesliga were he has now scored 23 goals in just 19 League matches for Red Bull Salzburg. The 22-year-old continued his rich vein of form which took his tally to 23 goals after 19 league matches this campaign as he scored an eight-minute hat-trick in the first half when RB Salzburg beat Sturm Graz 3-1 in Sunday’s Austrian Bundesliga encounter. The 2017 CAF Young Player of the Year gave the hosts a three-goal lead in the opening minutes at the Red Bull Arena with goals in the third, fifth and 11th minutes. This comes after Daka scored two goals in each of Zambia's last two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, against Algeria and Zimbabwe.

Liverpool fans send Patson Daka transfer message

  Liverpool fans have been reacting online to Patson Daka scoring the fastest hat-trick in Austrian Bundesliga history. According to the Liverpool Echo, it was claimed last month that the Reds were one of four Premier League clubs reportedly in the hunt to sign the Red Bull Salzburg forward this summer. The report also cited Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal as the three other sides all eyeing a move for the 22-year-old. Daka bagged two goals against Liverpool in a pre-season friendly last August and was again on the score sheet in impressive fashion on Sunday. The Zambian striker fired his side ahead against SK Sturm Graz after just three minutes at the Red Bull Arena before adding his second two minutes later as he completed his hat-trick in the 3-1 win after just 11 minutes. Speaking back in January, Daka opened up on his ambition to follow in the footsteps of the great African goalscorers who have made headlines in the Premier League.