Zesco United, the defending champions of the ABSA Cup, will not be able to defend their title after failing to qualify following a 1-0 defeat to Mutondo Stars on Thursday.
The Ndola side, who are also record winners of the competition with seven trophies, were initially confirmed as having qualified for the ABSA Cup, but that decision was later reversed after the Zambian Premier League (ZPL) said the confirmation had been made in error because their Week 17 match, which was the determinant for qualification, had not yet been played.
In a disappointing turn of events, their rescheduled match against Mutondo became a must-win for them to qualify for the ABSA Cup, but they fell short and missed out.
The result also means FC Muza, who were seventh at Week 17, have qualified for the ABSA Cup instead of Zesco United.
Seven Super League teams secured spots in the cup tournament, including leaders Power Dynamos, who thrashed Green Buffaloes 4-1 yesterday, Red Arrows, Zanaco, Nchanga Rangers, Mufulira Wanderers and Kabwe Warriors.
The preliminary round of the ABSA Cup will kick off on March 21 and 22.
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