Zesco United will be without two of their top hit men when they host mighty Al Ahly of Egypt in group “A” opener of Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League on Saturday.
Congolese sensation Idris Mbombo and Kenyan goal poacher Jesse Jackson Were have been ruled out of the much anticipated tie for various reasons.
Mbombo, Zesco’s top scorer in the competition on four goals sat out Thursday training at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, the venue of the match, suffering from a back problem.
Striker Idris Mbombo celebrating a goal in a past match.
“Mbombo is still undergoing physiotherapy but he is responding well to treatment and we thought that maybe for this game that we rest him,” Zesco team physician Dr Stephen Mbewe said.
“Apart from that we don’t have any other injuries and everyone is OK.” He added.
Jesse, the leading Zambia Super League striker on ten goals along side captain Ben Banh will not feature for “Team Yaziko” having picked two cautions a piece in the past matches.
Ever cool Coach George “Chicken” Lwandamina is however downplaying the situation which looks critical, instead saying, the absence of the trio is an opportunity for other players to step up to the plate and defend the jersey as football is a team sport.
“It’s an opportunity for other players to step in; football is a team sport, so those who will be selected will do the job.”
Jackson Mwanza is poised to fill the void left by the two in the goal hunt.
Al Ahly arrives
The eight times champions touched down in Ndola early morning Friday at exactly 02:45 AM aboard a chartered Egypt Airplane, and were received by Zesco United Officials and Egyptian High Commissioner to Zambia Raggai Nassr.
Kenyan officials, Davis Omweno, center referee, and his two assistants; Anthony Ongwayo and Gilbert Cheruiyot will be in charge of the match.
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