Zesco United dropped out of the 2018/2019 CAF Champions League after they were held to a 1 – 1 draw by TP Mazembe in the second leg first round match played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. The Zambian champions go out on a 2 – 1 aggregate scoreline having lost 1 – 0 in Lubumbashi.
Zesco looked to have proceedings under control when they went ahead in the 13th minute through Lazarous Kambole but Mazembe equalized after the restart through veteran midfielder Tresor Mputu.
George Lwandamina missed the services of David Odhiambo in central defense Misheck Chaila in midfield and Winstone Kalengo in attack who are all out with injury.
He however named an attacking line-up playing a 4 3 3 formation with Akumu Agay filling in at centre back.
Mazembe settled quickly but it was the quick movement and interchange of passes from the Zesco attackers that unsettled Mazembe for the Zesco goal. Osamanu did well to hold up the ball and release Jesse Were who found Kambole. The in form striker who looked dangerous with his runs controlled the ball before shooting past the goalkeeper.
From then on, Zesco controlled the game despite failing to add to their advantage.
After the restart, the Congo DR giants started strong pinning Zesco in their half in the first five minutes. Their pressure paid off in the 49th minute when Mputu found himself space to head home from a corner for the equalizer.
Zesco did not look like they would recover from that point and were lucky not to go behind when they were bailed out by goalkeeper and skipper Jacob Banda who saved a penalty in the 76th minute after Mwila Phiri’s mistimed tackle in the box. Banda had earlier in the first half again brilliantly saved a one on one shot from Elia.
All the three Zambian lads at Mazembe played with Kabaso Chongo having a brilliant game at the centre of defense while Nathan Sinkala played in his usual holding role. Rainford Kalaba was introduced in the 76th minute of the game.
The results relegates Zesco United to the CAF Confederations Cup Competition.
Zesco United XI
Jacob Banda – Simon Silwimba, Mwila Phiri, Anthony Akumu, Marcel Kalonda, Kondwani Mtonga, Jesse Were, John Chingandu, Rahim Osumanu, Enock Sabamukuma (Maybin Kalengo), Lazarous Kambole
TP Mazembe XI
Sylvain G – Djo Issama, Kabaso Chongo, Kevin Mundeko, Joseph Ochaya, Nathan Sinkala, Christian Kouame, Tresor Mputu, Ben Malango, Jackson Maleka
All thanks to poor tactics of this Lwandamina..
Ikaleni fye Ba Nguni, it’s TP Mazembe, abena Mputu balateya bola. Ati tactics… 1-1 with Mazembe is a formidable result.
Stop celebrating mediocrity
Zesco should have done well obviously you didn’t watch the game