Zesco United are looking to rebound at home on Saturday when they battle ASEC Mimosa of Cote d’Ivoire in a clash for second place in Group A of the 2016 CAF Champions League at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
George Lwandamina’s side return to Group A action after suffering their first loss of the league phase of the competition on June 29 when they lost 2-0 away to Wydad Casablanca on Morocco.
That defeat saw Zesco fall from first to third on three points handing the Moroccans top spot after they amassed six points from two rounds of matches played.
ASEC then overtook Zesco from third to second just 24 hours earlier when they beat winless Al Ahly 2-1 away in Alexandria.
Winner this weekend at Levy Stadium will be guaranteed at least second place with Wydad engaged in an early evening kickoff away in Egypt against bottom placed Al Ahly on the same date.
“Al Ahly has lost two, ASEC has lost one, we have lost one and only one team (Wydad) has got maximum points,” Lwandamina said.
“The group has been tough since the draws were made. It wasn’t an easy group and it will remain as such.
“What is remaining is rise up and pick up points and fight to qualify to the semifinals.”
Zesco have home pride at stake this weekend at Levy where they downed Al Ahly 3-2 in their Group A opener on June 18.
Lwandamina should have his strongest side to date with Idris Mbombo back after a lengthy injury spell to boost Zesco’s attack.
Mbombo is Zesco’s joint top scorer in the 2016 Champions League with four goals, tied with midfielder Cletus Chama.
And ASEC coach Siaka Traore said he respects Zesco despite their hosts’ setback in Rabat a fortnight ago.
“I think it will not be an easy game it will be a very difficult game,” Traore said.
“They are a good team it will be a tough game.”
Meanwhile, Zesco know it is critical to get their campaign back on track this weekend that will lift them to six points with three games left to play.
Most importantly is the fact that the return leg is set for four days time in Abidjan.
It will be essential to get a home win to edge them closer to the magic nine points in the group that could secure them the semifinal qualification if they can beat ASEC both home and away over the coming days heading into next months penultimate Group A away fixture away to Al Ahly.
Charges for the game are VIP K100, west wing K30 and K10 for the North,East and South wings.
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