After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Zesco United defeated defending champions Red Arrows 4-2 on penalties at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday to win the 2024–25 ABSA Cup.
The victory handed the Ndola-based giants their record seventh ABSA Cup title, reinforcing their dominance in the domestic cup competition.
Zesco took the lead in the 28th minute through Abraham Siankombo, to help his side go into the break leading.
However, Red Arrows hit back early in the second half, with Joseph Phiri levelling matters in the 53rd minute to keep the final finely poised.
The game remained locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, forcing a penalty shootout where Zesco held their nerve and converted four of their spot-kicks to seal the title.
After the final whistle, Zesco United interim head coach Emmanuel Siwale expressed his satisfaction at fulfilling one of the club’s major targets for the season.
“It’s one of the objectives that we wanted to achieve — winning the cup.”
“Yes it is because we did not win the first position, but we managed to qualify to CAF that was also one of our objectives, which we did. Qualifying to CAF and winning ABSA, it’s a recommendable job,” Siwale added.
Siwale has quietly guided Zesco through a transitional season. He took over on an interim basis following the early exit of George Lwandamina and Zesco’s elimination from continental competition in the preliminary rounds.
Under his leadership, Zesco have secured CAF qualification and a domestic trophy — a feat that has sparked conversation about his future at the club.
“I Can’t Comment That Is Administrative” – Siwale.
When asked whether he feels he deserves the job on a full-time basis after winning the ABSA Cup and securing continental football,
Siwale refused to be drawn into the debate on whether he must be appointed as a full-time coach.
“On that one I can’t comment that is an administrative issue. Me, I’m a coach. I’m happy that we have managed to go this far and achieve the two objectives. My job is to coach — I will always be the coach.
Saturday’s final also marked a full-circle moment for Siwale. Back in 2002, he reached the Coca-Cola Cup final as coach of Chambishi FC — only to lose to Zesco United, the very club he now leads.
“I’m happy because by then, my current employer was my opponent and managed to win the Coca-Cola Cup. I feel happy that we have managed to win when I’m here as a coach — I’m very happy for that.”
