Zesco United this afternoon beat Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1  in the 1st Leg of the CAF Champions League Semifinal at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Jackson Mwanza gave Zesco United the lead in the 55th minute before adding another a minute later to stun the visitors.

Kama Billiat pulled a goal back in the 87th minute to secure  a vital away goal for Sundowns to carry back to Pretoria.

The home side came out of the blocks early in the game, Jesse Were making his intention clearly in the first minute with an effort which went slightly off target on the right of the post.

Sundowns responded with Kama Billiat smashing a half volley which came to nothing.

Oluwafemi almost gave away a goal on 30 minutes, with a blind pass which fell on the possession of Dolly whose long range effort sailed above the bar.

Pitso Mosimane was happy to go into the break with his team holding Zesco at their back yard

However, it was George Lwandamina’s men who came out firing with Jackson Mwanza heading past the helpless Dennis Onyango from a Simon Silwimba cross.

The striker added another immediately with an easy tap in from a Mwape Mwelwa free kick with hints of offside. However, the goal stood.

Idris Mbombo who came on to replace Jackson Mwanza missed a chance to put Zesco United 3 goals clear, his strike from close range saved by Onyango.

Zesco were made to regret that missed chance as moments later Billiat found the back of the net with a strike going in off the right hand post.

Jacob Banda left with no chance to save what turns out to be vital away goal for the Brazilians.

Sundowns pressed on for the equalizer in added time but Zesco held on for a narrow 2-1 win ahead of the second leg in two weeks time.