Zesco United on Saturday tumbled out of the 2018/2019 CAF Champions League following a 1-1 home draw at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in against TP Mazembe.

Zesco exit 2-1 on aggregate but are still in continental competition following their relegation to the pre-group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup that kicks-off in January.

Zesco dominated Mazembe in the first half and took the lead in the 12th minute through Lazarus Kambole after some good work by Jesse Were.

Mazembe were still a threat despite begin out-passed and second best in the opening stanza.

In the 9th minute, Zesco defender Marcel Kalonda reacted quickly to deny Ben Malango with a near-goal line clearance after goalkeeper Jacob Banda was beaten and the Mazembe striker again was denied by defender Antony Akumu in the 32nd minute.

But Mazembe equalized in the 48th minute when Tresor Mputu headed- in Mechak Elia’s corner.

Zesco later had goalkeeper Banda to thank in the 73rd minute when he saved Malango’s penalty that Mazembe won following a foul on Jackson Muleka by defender Mwila Phiri.

Mazembe now match on to the group stage in January while Zesco wait to know their Confederation Cup pre-group stage opponents when the draws are made on December 28 in Cairo.