Zesco United must pull up their socks, polish their shooting boots and try again following their CAF Champions League defeat in Rabat at the hands of Wydad Casablanca in the early hours of today.
All is not lost for Lwandamina’s lads as they look to progress out of the Group stages for the first time in their history.
Walid El Karti’s header in the 11th minute and a David Owino own goal condemned Zesco to what is only their second defeat in this year’s campaign.
The 2-0 scoreline was flattering for the Moroccans and it portrayed a dominant display but for Zesco United, it was clear that they had shot themselves right in the foot.
The defending was shambolic on many occasions and it was shocking to see Zesco United panic when dealing with aerial balls. It was evident, Zesco were missing the height of Kondwani Mtonga. Ben Adama Bahn and David Owino’s partnership was clearly a tactical misfire as Team ya Ziko were caught out allowing El Karti all the time in the world to nod past Lameck Nyangu.
On the other end, Atouchi and Raben were having a field day in defense for Wydad. Cletus Chama was put on leash by the defensive pair limiting him only to few goal attempts which were easily handled by goalkeeper Laaroubi.
Lwandamina’s decision to leave out Kenyan striker Jesse Were from the starting line up also comes in question.
By the time the Were entered the fray, David Owino had already put the ball past his own keeper. It was a little more of an act of desperation than tactical switch.
That obviously dealt a hammer blow for the Zambian champions were now chasing the game.
Honestly Zesco United were clearly lacking the killer instinct in the final third. Mwape Mwelwa could have thrown the game into a late dramatic finish with 20 minutes left on the clock but he couldn’t beat Laaroubi in a one on one situation.
It was not a total disaster overall in terms of performance for Zega Mambo but lack of tactical discipline in defense costed them dearly.
Now is not the time to lick wounds but a time to regroup and look forward to the next fixture against Asec Mimosas.
