ZESCO United’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign is over after a narrow 1-0 defeat away to Kaizer Chiefs sealed their elimination from the group stage.
An early goal from Glody Makabi Lilepo proved decisive in Johannesburg, as the South African giants struck inside the opening 15 minutes and then held firm to deny ZESCO a route back into the contest.
The Ndola-based side conceded after a moment of misfortune when Benedict Chepeshi’s attempted clearance ricocheted off a pressing Chiefs player. The loose ball fell to Mfundo Vilakazi, who squared for Lilepo to calmly finish into the bottom-left corner.
ZESCO struggled to recover from the early setback, enjoying spells of possession but creating few clear chances against a disciplined Chiefs defence that managed the game with maturity.
The result officially ended ZESCO’s continental hopes, with their final group matches against Al Masry and Zamalek SC now reduced to formalities.
Elsewhere, Zamalek SC moved top of the group on eight points after edging Al Masry 2-1.
ZESCO now turn their focus to domestic football, where they sit eighth in the league on 22 points from 16 matches and face an uphill battle to secure ABSA Cup qualification.
