Barclays Cup 2017 Final
(28th October 2017)
Zanaco Vs Napsa Stars
Heroes Stadium
15:00hrs
The history of the Barclays Cup Finals
The 11th edition of the Barclays Cup final is on the Saturday afternoon at the magnificent Heroes Stadium in Lusaka. Defending league champions ZANACO takes on Napsa Stars in what promises to be a game not to be missed. There is alot at stake in this encounter.
These two sides have antagonised each twice this season in the league and the results have not been able to separate them. They recorded two draws. That makes this match more intriguing.
By another measure considering the requirement by CAF the winners of this trophy should without doubt be guaranteed of a ticket to play on CAF Confederation Cup next year. Bit this is something that the Association have to confirm.
They meet for the the first in the Barclays Cup and though NAPSA has already tasted the lifting of the trophy in its 11 years of existence. They won it in 2012 beating Power Dynamos on penalty shoot outs after a 4-4 score line in regulation time.
Zanaco on the other hand have played two finals in 2010 and 2016 against Zesco United and losing both.
The Bankers will think the waiting is over and its time to get their hands on the Barclays Cup which is the only cup game in the country.
Napsa Stars will join Power Dynamos on two titles if they are to beat Zanaco in this encounter.
In the league and particularly the last 12 games, Napsa has never beaten ZANACO, drawing 7 and losing 5. The possibility if this game going to the penalty shootout is very high.
Here is my take!
If Napsa will manage to push ZANACO to the penalty shoot outs then they will win the second title of the Barclays Cup.
But Zanaco I think wouldn’t be comfortable going beyond the 90 minutes and would love to wrap it up within the regulation time.
Am going for the second scenario as I believe this is the maiden chance for Zanaco to lay their hands on the Barclays Cup.
Prediction: Zanaco 2-1 Napsa Stars
*****************
The last 10 Finals
2007 ZESCO United 0-0 Chambishi
Zesco won 4-2 on penalties
2008 ZESCO United 1-0 Power Dynamos
2009 Power Dynamos 2-1 Green Buffaloes
2010 ZESCO United 2-0 Zanaco
2011 Power Dynamos 2-1 Konkola Blades
2012 NAPSA Stars 4-4 Power Dynamos
Napsa Stars won 4-2 on penalties
2013 Red Arrows 3-1 Nchanga Rangers
2014 ZESCO United 3-0 Nkana
2015 Green Buffaloes 2-0 Nkwazi
2016 ZESCO United 1-0 Zanaco
2017 Zanaco Vs Napsa Stars
Distribution of the Barclays Cup Titles
1. ZESCO United – 5 times
2 Power Dynamos 2 times
3. Green Buffaloes 1
4 NAPSA Stars 1
5. Red Arrows 1
Other teams to have played the finals without laying their hand on the title
1. Zanaco – 2
2. Chambishi – 1
3. Konkola Blades – 1
4. Nchanga Rangers – 1
5. Nkana FC – 1
6. Nkwazi – 1
Enjoy the final of the 2017 edition!!!
