My View in the CAF Confederation Cup – Zesco United welcome Smouha
Saturday 13th May 2017
ZESCO UNITED VS SMOUHA
Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
15:30hrs
Live on Supersport 9
The CAF Confederation Cup resumes this weekend with Zambian envoy ZESCO United, starting their group stage against the Egyptian side SMOUHA SC who are somewhat struggling in the Egyptian league.
The 2016 CAF Champions League semi finalist Zesco United who have hit a dull patch in local league, having failed to win a match in three league games, will be hoping that poor run of form haunt them going to Confed Cup.
But again if you think that run for Zesco is poor then think twice. Smouha is in a worse off situation. They have failed to win any game in the last five outings back home in Egypt, losing one and drawing the other four.
Their last encounter in the Egyptian league was a 2nil loss to Aswan.
Zlat seemingly is making himself a Zesco fans football enemy so fast but he woudnt care about that but concentrate on his job.
Game plan
Iddriss Mbombo is expected to start for Zesco United as they take on Samouha this weekend at the Levy Mwanawasa the adopted home ground of Zesco United
Zlat should be able to confirm his team list and I think Iddriss and Jesse Were are his two favourite striking partners from what we have seen already.
Jackson Mwanza is also pushing for a place in the starting team after being used in the GBFC game which of course was meant to rest some key players for this game.
With United starting as favouties against Samouha, they could face serious pressure if they lose to the Egyptian club.
CAF CONFEDERATION FORM
Zesco’s side have recorded two home wins and two away draws in Africa this season, They beat the Le Messager 2-0 and Enugu Rangers 3-0. They drew 2-2 at both Le Messages and Enugu Rangers.
WHAT ZESCO NEEDS
Zesco United needs 12 points to qualify – there is no space for a defeat at home if they want to come out of this group either as group leaders or second.
Saturday becomes crucial even as a first game because they need the three points. If Zesco lose the pressure mounts and Samouha will relish advantage.
Zesco United should without doubt approach this game more of a knockout encounter rather a marathon group race.
These two sides will be meeting for the first time. And certainly first times bring a lot of anxiety and cautiousness.
The Ndola outfit have scored in 10 of their last 10 home games in Caf Confederation Cup and this dates back to 2010 and I don’t see them failing to score in this one.
SMOUHA
Samouha on the other side have have not been good travellers though they managed to keep a clean sheet against Bidvest Wits of South Africa. But lost 3-0 away to Ulinzi Stars of Kenya .
THE GAME
Forget the Zesco troubles in the league they are in a different encounter and they will be strong in this one. They won’t give the Egyptian chance to spoil another day for them in what most of the Zesco fans will be so cautious to call.
Am going for a Zesco United Win.
My Verdict: Zesco United 3-0 Samouha
