Zesco looking to consolidate ABSA Cup spot

by Staff Reporter

Thursday Dec 23, 2021. 09:00

Zesco United hope to consolidate their 2022 ABSA Cup spot on December 24 when they play their final outstanding fixture against hosts Prison Leopards in a Christmas Eve doubleheader away at Godfrey ‘Ucar’ Chitalu Stadium in Kabwe.

The two sides meet in a lunchtime kickoff before 10th placed Kabwe Warriors host 12th positioned Zanaco in a match the homeside harbour serious ambitions of ABSA Cup top six qualifications this Friday.

Zesco’s FAZ Super League Week 11 away fixture against Prison Leopards was rescheduled from December 22 to Friday.

The match was moved to Friday due the Prison teams’ Covid-19 status over the weekend that saw the Kabwe clubs away game against Kafue Celtic on December 18 postponed.

Zesco are currently fifth on 25 points with a healthy goal difference and a draw against Prison would be enough to consolidate their place in the 2022 ABSA Cup.

They will join second placed Green Eagles on 28 points and leaders Green Buffaloes who have 30 points including third placed Nkana and number four side Red Arrows who are tied on 26 points.

Arrows are through to the ABSA Cup with the luxury of two unplayed games.

Meanwhile in the late kickoff, Warriors play Zanaco in a match they must win to seal their ABSA Cup qualification.

Warriors have 23 points while Zanaco who have 19 points are battling to keep their mathematical hopes alive in their two games in hand.

Victory for Warriors will see them attain the 26 point threshold they need to qualify.

Such a result will also end Nkwazi’s ABSA Cup plans who are hoping to make their first tournament appearance since 2015 when they finished runners-up.

Nkwazi currently occupy the final sixth ABSA Cup spot on 25 points after completing their seventeen games at the mid-way point to the season.