ZESCO UNITED VS ENUGU RANGERS
Levy Mwanawasa
17:30hrs
If Enugu end up winning the Caf Confederation cup this season, they will have done it the hard way. After being ejected in the Champions league by Zamaleki, landed a Zesco United play off to make it to the Group stage. Leading 2-0 at home only to be paged back to 2-2.
Having player issues of allowances and missing a fleight only to travel on matchday , Bottom placed in their own league and already fighting relegation as defending champions, they will need to do something special against Zesco United after all these issues surrounding the Nigerian defending champions.
Odiambo David Owino was the catalyst as Zesco United took a step towards recovery in the game played in Nigeria a week ago. The Kenyan defender eclipsed Enugu and made it 2-1 before Patrick Kongolo a player from Mufulira Blackpool made it 2-2 . Both were the product of sweet goals that gave a Zesco side a momentum they should never never relinquish.
Poor defending contributed to Enugu’s downfall and they still seemed to be suffering some side-effects from the happenings in the team which without a doubt dents Nigerian Football. Players refusing to board a plane to be paid is something I have not heard off and this is something that has gotten the head line and forcing the time of the game be changed from 15:00hrs Zambian time to 17:30hrs.
However, despite their problems Enugu is not coming to Ndola to fulfil the fixture but to compete and Zesco should be weary. There is confidence among the team and the coach is quoted saying Zesco will fall. They have managed to get Zambians away from taking about the game to the change of time and delays and that alone is enough to disrupt Zesco hence concentration is needed.
Enugu can turn the tie around if they do things as they need to do in Ndola. They are a good team and on any day capable of beating Zesco United so this contest is far from over.
This game will be tough and Zlat will again need to do a lot to motivate his players and get a good result. Zesco will get through to the group stage even with a 1-1 draw but note that a 2-2 draw will force the encounter into extra time. Anything less than that means Zesco are through.
Its clear that Enugu Rangers will be lookimg for an early goal to unsettle the Zesco team and Yes ZESCO on a bad day looks dazzed when attacked and should they allow Enugu with an early goal. Then we shall be in for an exciting encounter.
My Verdict is that Zesco will qualify but they will have it rough in this encounter. This one will be a tough one because despite the challenges they are having they are carrying the Nigerian flag and that will be a serious motivating factor.
My Verdict: Zesco United 2-1 Enugu Rangers
