2025 ABSA Cup final
The 2025 Absa Cup final was a football match played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, on 10 May 2025, between ZESCO United and Red Arrows to determine the winners of the 2025 Absa Cup. It was the 18th final of Zambia's premier domestic cup competition, organised by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
This was ZESCO United's eighth appearance in the final, a tournament record, while Red Arrows, the defending champions, were seeking their third overall cup win. ZESCO won the match 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time, with goalkeeper Gregory Sanjase making two crucial saves in the shootout.
A first-half goal from Abraham Siankombo gave ZESCO the lead, but Red Arrows equalised early in the second half through Joseph Phiri. The victory earned ZESCO their seventh Absa Cup title, extending their record as the most successful club in the competition's history. For Red Arrows, this was their second consecutive Absa Cup final appearance.
Route to the final
Zesco United
Zesco United entered the competition in the Round of 16. They began their campaign with a 3–1 victory over Barts FC in Kabwe, with goals from Lindo Mkhota, Peter Musukuma, and John Chingandu. In the quarterfinals, Zesco United defeated Konkola Blades 2–0 at a neutral venue in Kitwe, thanks to goals from Abraham Siankombo and Lindo Mkhota. In the semifinals at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, a second-half goal from Peter Musukuma secured a narrow 1–0 win over Nkana to send Zesco into the final.
Red Arrows
Red Arrows also joined the tournament in the Round of 16, where they thrashed Mpulungu Harbour 6–1 with goals from Wilfred Sikanyika, Paul Katema, Saddam Yusuf Phiri, Noris Mubanga, Derrick Bulaya, and Angel Lubamba. In the quarterfinals at Nkoloma Stadium, Red Arrows secured a 3–1 win against Green Eagles, with goals by Sikanyika and Michee Malonga. A tight semifinal saw Joseph Phiri net the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Power Dynamos, sending Red Arrows into the final.