Kambole’s Thunderbolt lifts Zesco in Confederation Cup
Zambian champions Zesco United made a good start to the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup when they beat Nkana FC 2 – 0 in a game played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium to go top of group C.
It was expected to be a tight affair between the two Zambian clubs who have been brewing up a rivalry in the recent years and the match did not disappoint as it started on a high note with both teams sharing possession. The battle was mainly between the midfielders as the ball was mainly played in the area.
Zesco opened the score from an unexpected attack when John Ching’anda guided his header into the back of the net from a cross on the right in the 28th minute.
But it was Kambole who scored a beauty of a goal after benefiting from a Jacob Ngulube error. He hit the ball so hard from outside the 18 yard leaving Kelvin Malunga with no chance as the ball went into the far angle with power with just secinds to play in the first half stoppage time.
Nkana did not miss Allan Chibwe thanks to Malunga who had a very good game pulling off several saves. His best moment came when he produced a double save to deny Quadri Kola from furthering Zesco’s lead.
Nkana had their moments and in the dying minutes with Festus Mbewe failing to guide his header to give Nkana a consolation goal.
The Ndola giants sat on the lead managing the game well in the second half to ensure maximum points
In the other game of the group, Al Hilal of Sudan beat Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko 1 – 0.
Zesco travel to Ghana for their next game of the group stage while Nkana will be at home to Al Hilal on 13th February, 2019
Zesco United Starting Line Up
D. Nthibahezwa – M.  Phiri, S.  Silwimba, C. Mwape, D. Owino, K. Mtonga, A. Akumu, J. Ching’andu (Misheck Chaila), J. Were (Lewis Macha), Q. Aladeokun (Kalengo Maybin), L. Kambole
Nkana Starting Line up
K. Malunga – H. Kessy, L. Thole, M. Mohammed, R . Ocran, S. Malambo, H. Chisala, K. Mubanga (ShadrecK Musonda), J. Ngulube (Soutra Tshimenga), F. Mbewe, R.Kampamba (Walter Bwalya)
The win is good for ZESCO, NKANA should beat ZESCO at NKANA stadium. in short both teams should win all their home games which will give each team 9 points, then fight for a draw either in Ghana or Sudan, that will mean Zega and kalampa are both through to the next stage
Congratulation zesco. All the way to the final
Zesco is a big team on intercontinental level. Nkana are now try to catch up. Nkana team management revolves around one person while zesco its corrective administrative team management.this is what is making zesco to what it is today.
Can’t see Nkana progressing very far with RK and Festus.