By Kalumiana Kalumiana
Power Dynamos assistant coach Linos Makwaza admits playing 7 competitive games in over 20 days has taken a physical toll on the team but they are excited to have overcome that challenge to qualify for the 2026 ABSA Cup final.
For the first time after two rounds of action in the 2026 ABSA Cup, Power's game in the competition was decided on post-match penalties after beating mighty Mufulira Wanderers 2-1 in the shootouts following a scoreless 90 minutes in Saturday's semifinal clash played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The game came three days after Power beat Nkwazi 1-0 away in Lusaka on April 22 in an FAZ Super League game before making the journey to Ndola for the ABSA Cup semifinal.
Makwaza said in a post-match interview at Levy that Power showed resilience despite the pressure of fixture obligations of playing 3 games per week.
"I think Wanderers gave us a good run for our money. They played good football. We had to contend with them. We knew that they were young and energetic," Makwaza said.
"The games are coming thick and fast and I think it had a toll on us, but the players tried their best."
Power have had a tight April starting on April 3 when they beat Nampundwe FC 2-0 in the ABSA Cup last 16 but still managed to win all their seven matches.
Meanwhile, Power will play Red Arrows in the ABSA Cup final after the latter beat FAZ National Division 1 promotion chasers Chirundu United 2-0 in the second semifinal of Saturday's doubleheader at Levy Stadium.
Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe said he is expecting a tough ABSA Cup final, especially since both sides are currently in the top two bracket of the FAZ Super League.
"I think it's going to be a very good final, a way to watch the final, looking at the form that Power Dynamos are in and looking at what we are looking for as well as Red Arrows," Mbewe said.
"So I think this is a final that we just need to prepare and ensure that we fight and win it."
FAZ has yet to officially confirm the venue and date of the 2026 ABSA Cup final.
Both Power and Arrows are chasing a third ABSA Cup title.
But Power have not won the ABSA Cup since 2011 while Arrows were champions in 2013 and 2024.
