Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) President Keith Mweemba has challenged Zambia’s continental club football envoys to work towards regaining the four CAF slots the country lost due to past poor performances.
Mr. Mweemba said it would be dignifying if both Power Dynamos and ZESCO United can rise to the occasion and reclaim Zambia’s standing in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.
He made the remarks in Ndola after witnessing ZESCO United’s emphatic 5–0 second-leg victory over Football Canon 105 of Gabon, securing a 5–2 aggregate win and progression to the next round of the Confederation Cup.
Meanwhile, in Ivory Coast, Power Dynamos lost 1–0 in regulation time to Asec Mimosas, but the tie ended 1–1 on aggregate thanks to their first-leg win at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Osward Mutapa’s men advanced to the second preliminary round of the CAF Champions League after winning 5–4 on post-match penalties.
Reacting to the results, Mr. Mweemba said such dominant performances are expected from Zambian clubs, adding that the FAZ executive is committed to resuscitating the glory days of Zambian football.
He urged the clubs to remain focused and aim to progress beyond the group stages of their respective competitions.
Mr. Mweemba also assured fans that positive results will come at both national team and club level, and called for unity of purpose to achieve a strong comeback.
Following their win, Power Dynamos will face Vipers Sports Club of Uganda, while ZESCO United will meet Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana, who advanced after defeating Mighty Wanderers of Malawi on penalties.
By Chansa Kunda, ZNBC
