ZESCO United’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign endured another frustrating afternoon as the Ndola giants slipped to a narrow 1–0 defeat against Kaizer Chiefs at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, leaving them rooted to the bottom of the group without a single point after three matches.
The damage was done almost immediately. Inside just two minutes, ZESCO United failed to deal with a corner kick, allowing Pule Mmodi the space to strike and hand the visitors an early lead — a moment of defensive hesitation that ultimately proved decisive.
Forced to chase the game from the outset, ZESCO United struggled to impose themselves against a disciplined Chiefs side, though their resolve was tested again midway through the first half when Amakhosi threatened to double their advantage. Kabaso Chongo came to the hosts’ rescue with a brilliant last-ditch tackle in the 25th minute, halting what appeared a certain goal.
Recognising the need for change, head coach Mathews Ndhlovu made a bold call before half-time, introducing Asoumou Derrick Obame and debutant Mwanza Emmanuel in place of Peter Musukuma and Vitalis Gantar. The adjustments injected fresh energy and urgency into ZESCO United’s play as they searched for a route back into the contest.
The hosts grew into the game in the second half and pushed Chiefs deeper, with their clearest chance arriving late on when Amine Hiver unleashed a powerful long-range effort that flashed inches wide of the target, leaving the home crowd agonisingly close to an equaliser.
In the end, the breakthrough never came. The defeat condemns ZESCO United to the foot of the group, still pointless and facing a steep climb to revive their continental ambitions.
For Kaizer Chiefs, the victory is a significant one. The three points lift Amakhosi to four points, keeping them firmly in the hunt for qualification. Elsewhere in the group, log leaders Al Masry were held to a goalless draw by second-placed Zamalek, a result that moved Al Masry to seven points and Zamalek to five, further tightening the group dynamics.
Once again, ZESCO United were left to rue the unforgiving nature of continental football — where a single early lapse can outweigh a spirited response and leave little margin for recovery.
