By MICHAEL MIYOBA
RED Arrows has qualified for the 2024 ABSA Cup after coming from behind to beat Mutondo Stars 3-1 in a Week-17 fixture played at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
First half goals from Saddam Phiri and Ricky Banda and a late strike from Antony Shipanuka secured the win for the Chisi Mbewe-tutored Airmen who were determined to recover from the painful military derby defeat to Green Eagles last weekend.
Mutondo Stars had started the match with a bang with Titus Chansa putting the Kitwe outfit in front just 12 minutes after kick off.
The Airmen had to wait for the 39th minute to grab the equaliser through Saddam Phiri who was benefited from James Chamanga’s assist.
Three minutes later, Phiri turned from scorer to assister when he set up striker Ricky Banda for the Airmen’s second goal as the first stanza ended 2-1 in favour of Arrows.
After the break, Shipanuka scored his debut goal for Arrows in the 80th minute to guarantee victory.
The win over Mutondo propelled Arrows to second on the Super League table with 29 points, three points behind the league leaders Zesco United.
Meanwhile, the chase for the ABSA Cup continues today when Kabwe Warriors host FC Muza at the Godfrey Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe.
Power Dynamos will also seek a win when they host Napsa Stars at the Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe today.
League leaders Zesco United will aim to end the first round on a high note by beating struggling Mufulira Wanderers who are winless in the last three matches.
Struggling Green Buffaloes date winless Trident FC in an early kickoff at Sunset Stadium, the same venue to host Sensational Zanaco FC’s clash with struggling Nkana.
Green Eagles impressive run will come under scrutiny when they face High Flying Nkwazi who are motivated by their impressive win over Prison Leopards last weekend.
Rejuvenated Konkola Blades, who are unbeaten in the last five games will face struggling Prison Leopards at Konkola Stadium in Chililabombwe.
Tomorrow, Kansanshi Dynamos will seek redemption from last weekend’s defeat to FC Muza when they host Forest Rangers at Nchanga Stadium in Chingola.
