Following a 3-1 win over FC MUZA, Zesco United qualified for the 2024 ABSA Cup as the race heated up with only three games remaining. 

Nkwazi, Red Arrows, MUZA, Kabwe Warriors, and Zanaco are currently in the top six, and should they maintain their positions after the next three matches, they will qualify for the country’s biggest cup competition.

With Zesco United being the only team to have qualified at this stage, it tells the entire story of how competitively packed the other slots are, stretching it even further to 13th-placed Kansanshi Dynamos, who have a chance depending on the points they will collect, hoping things work out elsewhere.

Defending champions Forest Rangers are also in contention, but their poor form has kept them mostly outside the top six. A 1-0 win over 7th-placed Power Dynamos last weekend could be the start of Mwenya Chipepo’s team improving their league position.

With only a point or two separating the teams, a few slots may be decided on the next matchday, while qualification for all teams may be decided on matchday 17.

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Two teams from the National League will join the six teams from the top flight, with the Nchanga Rangers and Lumwana Radiants currently in the lead for the slots.

Others include Atletico Lusaka, City of Lusaka, Indeni, the Young Green Buffaloes, Kitwe United, and the Aguila Stars.