Zesco United on Saturday evening hope to overcome the first hurdle in their quest to end a six-year absence from the CAF Champions League group stage.
Zesco face Stade Malien of Mali in Bamako seeking a favourable away result this weekend ahead of their final leg home match on April 19 in Ndola.
The Ndola club has not played in the lucrative league round of the competition since 2009 when they made history to become the first
Zambian club to qualify to the group stage.
Like in 2009, Zesco hope that lightening strikes twice in Bamako this weekend.
Zesco booked their debut qualification that season with a 0-0 away draw against Djoliba before winning 2-1 at home in Ndola.
Captain and goalkeeper Jacob Banda said the team was primed for the job this weekend.
“This is the third team we are playing in the Champions League but it is no excuse as we will go an extra mile,” Banda said.
However, Zesco will be without key midfielder Cletus Chama who got a red card in the last stage in the 2-0 away loss against Horoya AC of
Guinea.
Also out is Kenyan international defender David Owino who has accrued two yellow cards after picking up his second in that away match in Guinea.
The versatile Khondwani Mtonga might make his first competitive start for Zesco this season in place of Owino while Mathews Nkhowani is a potential candidate to replace Chama.
[Zesco United]
gud lucky guys, hope u do it again
go zega go zesco!! We shall support you till the last whistle.from a die hard maite supporter.
That’s the spirit and thanks for showing maturity…. We all need to rally behind Zega in a moment like this one
Lets go Zesco, we are behind you guys. you can do it.
Let’s goal team ya ziko. we are behind you.
Come on zega!! Am a Power fan and wishing you guys all the success!
All the best to Zesco who happens to be the only team among the last 8 not to have won the Champions’ League trophy. There is always a first time!
With Kondwani Mutonga in the pack, Zesco can do wonders away. Its a strong side with real capacity to do well. Go Zesco Go!
Gudluck Zesco make us proud.#yoz truly Mighty the legendary,the fighters,my team,yo team,our team.
wishing zesco all the best as they lock horns with stade malien go zesco go make mother zambia proud!!!!
zega