Zambian champions Red Arrows have been crowned winners of the 2024 CECAFA Dar Port Kagame Interclub Cup after beating Rwanda’s APR FC 10-9 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the KCM stadium in Tanzania.
Chipolopolo striker Ricky Banda gave the Chisi Mbewe-led side the lead in the 62nd minute following a closely contested first half. However, Just as things appeared to be going well for the Zambians, Sy Mamadou’s strike in the 92nd minute brought APR level and sent the game into extra time which ended goalless.
The match was later decided on penalties and Arrows were the victors after converting all their spot kicks while APR missed one.
The reigning MTN/FAZ Super League and ABSA Cup champions started off their campaign in the competition where they were participating as an invitee with a 1-0 win over Kenya’s Gor Mahia FC before suffering a 5-0 bashing to Sudanese giants Al Hilal.
The incredible Airmen comeback
Following that defeat, Red Arrows recovered in final group match with a 1-0 win over ASAS Djibouti Telecom to advance to the semi finals.
Mbewe’s side continued with their impressive run and defeated Al Wadi 2-0 in the last four with goals by Paul Katema and Alassane Diarra in extra time to book a spot in the final where they clashed with APR who eliminated Al Hilal 5-4 on penalties.
Following their victory in the final, Red Arrows will pocket the US$30,000 grand prize and have become the first Zambian club to win the Cecafa cup in its history.
APR on the other hand, will take home US$20,000 while Al Hilal who finished third after beating Al Wadi 2-1 on penalties will be rewarded US$10,000.
The Zambian Champions will now shift their focus to next month’s CAF Champions League preliminary round, where they are pitted against Malawi’s Nyasa Big Bullets.
