As Zesco hope for a turn around… .
The 1-0 first-leg victory, in Ndola Zambia – has left Asec Mimosas within sight of a slot in the Group Stages of the 2018 CAF Champions League – while Zesco United the uphill task to restore some pride.
Asec Mimosas FC are within the touching distance of advancing, should they avoid defeat at home, while Zesco United will seek to restore some pride in the second leg of their first round tie.
Solomon Sakala with an own goal gave Asec a 1-0 first-leg advantage in Zambia, crucial lead that pits the Ivorian as favourites, going into this encounter. That was the first defeat the Zambian champions were subjected to at home in CAF games.
Asec are in a good form coming into this fixture with only one loss in the local league – in last 14 games and their scoring rate is very impressive.
Asec Mimosas won the Champions League in 1998 and they were ever present until 2011 when they were relegated into the CAF Confederation Cup, were they also maintained their place until 2013.
Asec are seasoned CAF competitions and Zesco will have serious challenge to break the Ivorian side at their tradition fortress. Zesco United highest feet in the CAF Champions League remains the semi final berth in the 2016 edition and in recent years; this will be their lowest in the recent past.
Their away form has been a challenge in this competition and pulling this one off will be a very big success for them.
The Executive expects nothing less than victory away from home. According to comments made by the Secretary General of the club, the team has players to do the job but Asec won’t let Abidjan be like a walk in the park for Zesco. This will be a mammoth task.
MY THOUGHTS: Zesco United will struggle in this encounter. It will be tough for the Zambian Champions to get anything in this encounter.
The undoing was the first leg and Asec will seek to improve on that result, hence making it to the group stages.
MY PREDICTION: I envisage Asec Mimosas 2-1 Zesco United.
