By Maimbo Mweemba
Zambia’s representatives in the CAF Inter-clubs Competition started their campaign with mixed results as Red Arrows recorded a win while ZESCO United suffered a 1-0 defeat.
In the CAF Confederation Cup, The airmen recorded a 2-1 win at National Heroes Stadium.
After a slow start, the Airmen took the lead in the 27th minute as Felix Bulaya’s deflected shot beat Phumlani Ngobese in the Young Buffaloes goal.
Arrows could have doubled the lead on several occasions but they were sloppy in the final third with James Chamanga, Alassane Diarra, and Saddam Yussuf Phiri all coming close to scoring.
Bulaya doubled the lead in the 59th minute with a close-range finish, getting on the end of a Diarra pass.
Gamedze Sandile pulled one back in the 75th minute with a header but the Zambia Airforce sponsored outfit held on to win 2-1.
Arrows will be away in Eswatini for the second leg this coming weekend and should they get past this stage they will face Angolan outfit CD Primeiro de Agosto.
Elsewhere, A 66’ minute Solomon Sakala own goal condemned ZESCO United to a shock defeat in their CAF Champions League first preliminary round first leg encounter at the hands of Royal Leopards of Eswatini.
The wasteful Zambian Champions will be keen to turn the tables around when the two sides meet again for the second leg scheduled for the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.
