The 2026 ABSA Cup will kick off on the weekend of 21/22 March with preliminary round matches involving mostly lowly ranked teams.
The 2026 ABSA Cup winners will pocket K1.1 million and qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup.
The official launch and draws for the 2026 ABSA Cup was conducted on Monday morning in the presence of Sports Minister Elvis Nkandu, FAZ officials, the ZPL staff, coaches, players, officials, the media and selected fans.
During the launch it was announced that SuperSport would broadcast the ABSA Cup matches.
During the preliminary stage, five ties will determine who advances to face the big guns with Solwezi Mushitala facing Teta FC, Forest Muyoye will battle Barotse Crocs.
Mikalile have been paired against Nampundwe with Mathkat United set to meet Play It Forward, and Ndola’s Zambezi Portland will clash against Real Nakonde.
In the pre-quarterfinals, Power Dynamos will face the winner of the match involving Mikalile and Nampundwe.
Red Arrows will take on the survivor of Zambezi Portland against Real Nakonde with Mufulira Wanderers awaiting the winner of the match between Forest Muyoye and Barotse Crocs.
National League side Makeni All Stars will meet either Mathkat United or Play It Forward.
In the confirmed pre-quarterfinal match, Kafue Celtic face Zanaco with Chirundu United taking on Kabwe Warriors and Stylish Roan United will renew their old rivalry with Brave Nchanga Rangers in the Copperbelt derby.
Meanwhile, the Zambian Premier League has clarified that Zesco United are yet to qualify for the ABSA Cup.
ZPL said the slot was awarded in error, noting that Zesco’s Week 17 fixture against Mutondo Stars is yet to be played.
The latest ruling means FC Muza have a chance to qualify for ABSA Cup in case Zesco lose to Mutondo in the rescheduled match, which will be played before the preliminary ABSA Cup fixtures.
