Zambia Barclays Cup Roundup

Zambia's Barclays Cup quarter finals took place last weekend with high drama that saw the defending champions crash out and a surprise package from the lower divisions being among the four sides that made it to the semi finals. All the games were played at Arthur Davies Stadium in Kitwe, Copperbelt Province.
1. Young Green Buffaloes 2:1 Zanaco

Defending champions Zanaco FC were humiliated by Division One side Young Green Buffaloes 2:1 in the first quarter final. Buffalos drew first blood with a gem of a goal by Musonda in the 23rd minute before Zanaco equalised in the 41st. It proved to be Young Buffalos' day as Musonda scored his second of the match in the 81st minute, ensuring Young Buffalos passage to the semi finals.

2. Zesco Utd 1:2 Nkana FC

Nkana FC made a short trip across town to face bitter rivals and league champions Zesco Utd of Ndola. In a very highly heated and tactical game, Nkana defender, Richard Ocran made an uncharacteristic blunder in the 44th minute which gifted a lurking Maybin Kalengo with a one-on-one encounter with Nkana goalie Allan Chibwe. Kalengo made no mistake and put the Ndola side ahead in front a packed crowd. Nkana, however, came guns blazing in the second half and Congolese goal scoring machine Idris Mbombo equalised in the 51st minute. With the game all but wrapped up, Mbombo stunned Zesco custodian, Jacob Banda with a cheeky header that left Banda flat-footed in the 93rd minute to send the Nkana supporters into a wild frenzy. Banda, a 2012 Afcon winner, had  otherwise  put up a stellar performance with clinical saves. Nkana carried the day 2:1

3. Green Eagles 0:1 Green Buffaloes

Zambia's CAF Confederation Cup envoys for 2019, Green Buffaloes and Green Eagles faced off in the third quarter final. The game saw both teams play cautiously and constantly sized each other up. It was settled by an 81st goal through international Jack Chirwa.

4. Power Dynamos 5(1) : (1) 4 Mufulira Wanderers

Power Dynamos failed to take advantage of their homeground and battled to a 1:1 draw with Division One side, Mufulira Wanderers. It was Wanderers that opened the scoring through Goma before Power equalised through utility striker, Alex Ngonga. Power went on to carry the day 5:4 on Post Match Penalties.

The semifinals later this month have pitted town rivals Power Dynamos and Nkana FC against each other while Green Buffaloes will face their academy side, Young Green Buffaloes.