Friday, March 29, 2024

CAF CL: Impressive Zanaco held by Al Ahly in Egypt

A spirited performance by Zanaco saw them pick a a vital 0 – 0 away draw in Alexandria against Al Ahly.

The Zambian champions took on the Egyptian giants punch for punch in an exciting match that could have easily gone either way as Toaster Nsabata did not have to make any significant save until the second minute of injury time.

Ahly started well, attacking with purpose and were pressing from the top which unsettled Zanaco.

They could have gone ahead in the 4th minute when a cross from the right found Souleman Coulibally who had worked some space between Ziyo Tembo and George Chilufya but his contact with the ball was not firm enough direct the ball on target.

But once Numba Mumamba’s side had settled into their rhythm, they were beginning to boss play in the midfield with Zimileseni Moyo and Richard Kasonde not giving the Egyptians chance to settle on the ball.

Augustine Mulenga on the left flank was looking good going wide and cutting inside at times and his shot in the 30th minute was strong and on target but direct at the goalkeeper.

After the break, Ahly made a change which saw Souleman come in for Gabber.

It was wave after wave of attack in the opening five minutes from the hosts but Zanaco goalie Toaster Nsabata was on top of the game on the day as was first to every cross that was sent in.

Zanaco showed that they were still in the game as they responded in the 51st minute with a shot from Moyo on the edge of the box which was deflected off target after he was set up by Mulenga.

Zanaco did little to slow down the game in the dying minutes and they were almost made to pay in the second minute of the referee’s optional time when Coulibally controlled a cross in the six yard box from a set piece on the left.

The Ivory Coast striker found himself in acres of space with only Nsabata to beat but the excellent Zanaco goal-minder was well positioned to make a point blank save.

The result sees Zanaco move into second position in group D after Wydad Casablanca beat Coton Sport of Cameroun 2 – 0 in the other fixture of the group.

Zanaco next play Moroccan side Wydad Casablanca at Heroes Stadium on 23rd May.

The result sets a good weekend for Zambian clubs against the Egyptian clubs after Zesco United beat Smouha 1 – 0 in the CAF Confederations Cup earlier in the day.

Zanaco XI

Toaster Nabata – Taonga Bwembya, Chongo Chirwa, George Chilufya, Ziyo Tembo, Richard Kasonde, Zimiseleni Moyo (Andrew Kwiliko), Ernest Mbewe, Augustine Mulenga (Kennedy Musonda), Felix Nyaende (Kwame Attram), Saith Sakala

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19 Comments

  1. Very true Zambian soccer indeed is back. Zanaco was just so phenomenal in Egypt. A big congrats to the bankers for that positive result.

  2. Thanks for for picking up a point Zanaco. Every Jack n Jim knows that Egypt is not an easy place for such, now we want 3 points when you in Zed especially against that Libolo team.

  3. Thanks Zanaco for proving me wrong. I never gave you any chance in the CL. Now you have shamed me and I am beginning to believe you can treat where only the best of the best treat. Conquer them now.

  4. Strange that while an arm chair critic like myself was doubting ZANACO, the Ahly Coach was jittery about facing it.
    “Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has praised the squad of Zambian side Zanaco ahead of the two sides’ game in the first round of the African Champions League group stage that kicks off on Saturday.”

  5. Good result indeed since this side had about 99.9% zambian in it and shame to all those who say zed is not among football power house in Africa

  6. Although I think the heading should have been the other way round as in since Zanaco were playing in Egypt it should have read Al Ahly held by an impressive Zanaco…..

    That said….well done to the Bankers. I was also one of those who never gave them a chance especially after the player exodus….they have proved me wrong.

  7. What was impressive?If they could not win,you are overexcited because you are to losing to Arabs.Its the reason teams lose games.The ‘Theme’should read like Zanaco Played Well With An Away Draw.

    • I agree coach. A lot of people making it look like Zanaco have already made it to their destination. This is just the beginning and even though the draw was a good result, it’s not something we should be jumping up and down about.

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