Zesco United’s qualification for the ABSA Cup has been reversed, despite earlier confirmation that they had secured a spot following their 2-1 win over Zanaco.

The Zambian Premier League (ZPL) says the slot was awarded in error, clarifying that Zesco’s Week 17 fixture against Mutondo Stars is yet to be played.

“The game that they played, which was assumed to be the game that they used to qualify, was a week 18 fixture; they are yet to play their week 17 game against Mutondo Stars, which will be played before the first match of the preliminary round,” ZPL head of communication Christina Zulu clarified during the ABSA Cup draw in Lusaka on Monday.

For context, MTN Super League teams that finish the first half of the season at Week 17 in the top seven automatically qualify for the ABSA Cup.

Zesco played a fixture against Mutondo Stars at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, a match that was initially believed to be a Week 17 encounter. However, it has since been clarified that the actual Week 17 fixture was scheduled to be played away, not at home.

This means FC Muza still has a chance to qualify if Zesco loses or draws against Mutondo in the rescheduled match, which is expected to be played on Thursday.

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