On Wednesday Zesco United lost to Ghanaian side Asante Kotoko in the CAF Confederation Cup.
This is was a bit of an upset, George Lwandamina’s men were expected favourites going into the match.
Of the two sides Zesco went into the game with the better form both domestically and in the tournament.
The match began badly for Zesco. Asante left back Frimpong delivered a long pass to Songne who picked it up by the right corner flag.
He dribbled passed Mwape and crossed the ball to Bonsu who took an attempt that got a deflection, leaving Banda to pick the ball out of his net. Zesco’s defense were left in shambles.
It did not get any better for Zesco. Immediately after kickoff from the goal just scored, Asante created another change but somehow Baakoh missed an open net. A few minutes later Zesco got a penalty awarded.
Annan was too good for Were’s rather tame penalty shot, though. Unfortunately, it simply was not Zesco’s day.
Asante’s second goal was another example of Zesco being punished for switching off. After a throw-in from Frimpong dropped between two Zesco defenders to Songne’s feet, the striker then dropped his shoulder and created a clever assist that was dutifully converted by Gyamfi.
Even though Asante were the stronger team, Zesco weren’t completely out the game. Our Zambian contingent had many of their own attacks throughout the game.
Although they had to wait until the second half for their goal to finally come. It took a lapse in awareness from the Ghanaian side for Zesco to take advantage. And take advantage they did via substitute Osumanu’s header.
In the last minute of regulation time Mtonga picked up his second yellow for deliberately stepping on an opposition player.
This means that he will miss the next match. He is someone Zesco will miss desperately.
Although it may seem like a bad day in the office for Lwandamina’s boys, the statistics suggest that Zesco did better than the game suggested.
Most of the statistics like shots, shots on target, possession and pass accuracy were all pretty evenly split.
At the end of the day perhaps the only thing that pushed Asante toward the victory was being more clinical in front of goal.
Zesco need not worry too much about the lost. In fact after the loss, they still found themselves at the top of the group on goal difference.
Group C now truly is a free for all since all the teams are tied on points
Zesco’s next 2 CAF Confederation Cup matches will be against Al-Hilal FC from The Sudan. Zesco will have to bring their best form against the Jorge Jesus’ side since Al-Hilal are top of the Sudanese league table and also just came off of a CAF loss meaning they will be especially hungry for the 3 points.
Matchday 6 is going to be a thrilling affair with some of the best from Zambia facing off against some of the best against Sudan both of which have something to prove.
All of the CAF matches as well as local Zambian matches will be on Betway for you to back your team. Just go to https://www.betway.co.zm/.
