Out of form, Nchanga Rangers face an uphill battle in their quest to reach the 2024 ABSA Cup final.
National League log leaders, Nchanga Rangers, will be facing yet another tricky encounter this Saturday when they face off with the incoming MTN Super League Champions, Red Arrows, in the second match of the ABSA Cup semi-final clashes.
The Chingola-based side will square off with Chisi Mbewe’s men at 14:30 at Arthur Davies Stadium tomorrow.
Brave Rangers will be looking to reach only their second final in this prestigious Cup competition.
Rangers reached the final back in 2013 and went on to lose to Red Arrows 3-1, thanks to goals from Lubinda Mundia, Patrick Musonda, and Philip Sikwese, while Martin Daka scored Rangers’ consolation goal.
They saw off ZANACO on post-match penalties in the quarterfinals and then edged ZESCO United 1-0 in the semifinals, thanks to a Bwalya Kasonde goal.
Coach Robert Tembo and his side will hope to avoid a repeat of the 2013 meeting, but this game could not have come at a worse time for the National Division One side.
Rangers have lost their last three games in the FAZ National Division One League, which has seen Lumwana Radiants come within a point at the summit.
However, in the ABSA Cup, they saw off a strong Riverplate side in the round of 16 and the six-time record winners, ZESCO United, in the quarterfinals.
Despite progressing this far, they are yet to score a goal in open play in the competition and have managed to win both games on post-match penalties.
While Rangers have struggled to get goals in the 2024 ABSA Cup, Red Arrows have already scored 9 goals in two games.
Captain Victor Chabu has been instrumental between the sticks and will again have to come to the party on Saturday.
The likes of Angel Lubamba, Mwiza Siwale, Bornwell Mwape, and Elliot Kampukesa need to find their scoring boots in this competition if Nchanga Rangers are to reach the final.
Tickets have already gone on sale in ShopRite stores countrywide via CompuTicketing and start from as low as K30.
The winner of this year’s ABSA Cup will pocket K800,000, with K350,000 reserved for second place.
The ABSA Life Player of the Tournament, Top Scorer, and Golden Glove will each get K25,000.
2024 ABSA Cup Semifinals | Saturday, 4th May
12:30 Kabwe Warriors vs FC MUZA | Arthur Davies Stadium
14:30 Nchanga Rangers vs Red Arrows | Arthur Davies Stadium