All roads lead to Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday 28 October 2017, for the Grand Finale of the 2017 Barclays Cup, with NAPSA Stars and Zanaco fighting for country’s only cup competition.
The two remaining teams had to negotiate some rough waters in the semifinals to reach the final. NAPSA Stars defeated holders Zesco United 4-2 on penalties while Zanaco edged Lusaka Dynamos 1-0 in a hotly contested tie.
Zanaco fresh from two back to back wins against Lumwana Radiants and Real Nakonde via a similar 2-0 score are chasing a double and are well poised as they command a 3 point lead in the MTN FAZ Super Division with a mere 6 games to play.
Numba Mumamba’s bankers have the required fire power to deliver the trophy with their latest acquisition Heritier Nkonko currently scoring goals for fans.
NAPSA Stars who at some stage of the 2017 League season were looking like potential league contenders have fallen into 7th position and the Barclays Cup is now the only realistic chance they have of silverware.
Linos Makwaza hopes lie in a unit of players that share goals all around the team. Players like Collins Sikombe, Chitoshi Mukuma, Austin Banda will be there when called upon.
Soka25east.com looks at some of the key players from both sides.
ZANACO KEY PLAYERS
Heritier Nkonko
The Congolese striker has scored 2 goals in two games for Zanaco and will be hoping to get onto the score sheet.
Felix Nyaende
Another forward who is in great form for the Bankers. Nyaende was on target in the 2-0 against Real Nakonde and also scored in the Barclays Cup semifinals ensured that the bankers reach the final.
Ziyo Tembo
The present figure of Ziyo Tembo is always felt in any game. It is almost impossible to imagine a Zanaco defense without their skipper.
Augustine Mulenga
The winger has established himself as a national team player and is crucial Member of this Zanaco squad.
Enerst Mbewe
Enerst ‘Altezza‘ Mbewe is quick and has the ability to trouble defenders on any given day. He scores goals too and will most likely start in the final.
NAPSA KEY PLAYERS
Youremember Banda
An attacker who has been instrumental in NAPSA Stars’ campaign this season, Banda will be a player that Linos Makwaza will look to.
Collins Sikombe
A goal scorer is his very own right Collins Sikombe’s brilliance will be needed if NAPSA are to win the trophy.
Alex Mwamba
Strong in defense, Mwamba will be expected to be in the NAPSA Stars backline.
Boyd Mkandawire
The former Zambia International left back will be hoping to make a start in final.
Chitiya Mususu
The huge figure of Chitya Mususu is going to be expected to lead the NAPSA attack in the final.
The 2017 Barclays Cup final will be held at the Heroes Stadium with kick off slated for 15:00 CAT
