ABSA Cup: Crocs, River Plate, Chirundu match on

BAROTSE Crocs, Chirundu United and River Plate progressed to the next round of the 2024 ABSA Cup after winning their preliminary fixtures played yesterday at Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.

Barotse Crocs defeated Young Kansanshi United 1-0 thanks to a late own goal by defender Gilpin Shemi to advance to the round of 16 where they will face Zesco United.

Defeat pained Young Kansanshi United Head Coach Mwape Kasunka who had challenges explaining to the media how his team lost

“Let me congratulate Barotse Crocs for the win. For us it wasn’t our day I don’t know what I can say but we played well but then our friends scored and there is nothing we can do. It wasn’t our day,” Kasunka said.

He however applauded ABSA for expanding the ABSA Cup which now has 21 contenders with ten teams representing the provinces, four teams from the national division one and seven teams from the FAZ Super League.

Barotse Crocs Head Coach Chris Lungu applauded his charges for setting up a meeting with the Ndola giants Zesco United.

“Looking at Zesco, it’s a big team and for us this is a competition and we will compete with Zesco United. As coach I will just need to encourage my boys because none of them have played in the premier league or the national division one, they are all from the compounds,”

Lungu said.

Meanwhile, River Plate defeated Mines United 3-2 to progress to the pre-quarter final round where they will face Nchanga Rangers.

A second half brace from Nisa Mphande could not help Mines United as Charles Chabala’s brace and a goal from Boyd Kayula secured the win River Plate.

Chirundu United outclassed Katete Rangers 3-0 to match on to the round of 16 where they will now face FC MUZA.

FULL RESULTS:

Barotse Crocs 1-0 Kansanshi United

River Plate 3-2 Mines United Chirundu United 3-0 Katete Rangers

Mwaimwena Strikers 2-2 (98) Ndola United

Malalo Police 1-0 Muchinga

Blue Eagles