The draws for the 2026 ABSA Cup have been conducted, setting up a mouth-watering series of fixtures as Zambia’s only national knockout competition gets underway.
Smaller sides will first battle it out in the Preliminary Round before the country’s top clubs enter the fray at the Round of Sixteen
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PRELIMINARY ROUND
Five ties will determine who advances to face the giants. Solwezi Mushitala take on Teta FC, Forest Muyoye clash with Barotse Crocs, Mikalile face Nampundwe, Mathkat United meet Play It Forward, and Zambezi Portland go up against Real Nakonde.
ROUND OF SIXTEEN
Power Dynamos, last year’s contenders, will face the winner of Mikalile versus Nampundwe. Red Arrows take on the survivor of Zambezi Portland against Real Nakonde, while Mufulira Wanderers await the winner of Forest Muyoye versus Barotse Crocs. Makeni All Stars will meet either Mathkat United or Play It Forward.
In the confirmed Round of Sixteen ties, Kafue Celtic face Zanaco in a highly anticipated all-top-flight encounter. Chirundu United take on Kabwe Warriors, while Roan United clash with Nchanga Rangers in what promises to be a fiery Copperbelt derby.
With K1.1 million in prize money and a landmark CAF Confederation Cup berth at stake, the 2026 ABSA Cup is expected to draw fierce competition from all corners of the country.
By Canaan Siame
