Zesco United laboured to a 1-0 win over Clube Recreativo Desportivo do Libolo in a Group C Caf Confederation Cup match which had both sides reduced to ten men at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sunday.
Libolo’s Celson Costa and Zesco’s Anthony Akumu were both sent off for second bookable offences in the 86th and 87th minutes respectively.
Following an earlier caution, Costa was given marching orders for a challenge on Dave Daka on the edge of Libolo’s penalty area while Akum was treading on thin ice after he was cautioned for a challenge in the first half on Julsy Kaya and Namibian referee Jackson Pavaza did not hestitate to produce a second yellow card when the Kenyan midfielder felled Estevao Cahoco with three minutes remaining on the clock.
The solitary goal was scored in the 26th minute by Idriss Mbombo who headed home from inside the box from a cross by Dave Daka.
The victory ensured that Zesco United became Group C leaders after Smouha and El Hilal El Obeid played out a 1-1 draw on Saturday.
They now have six points from three matches while Smouha in second, with 4 points, are separated on goal difference from third place El Hilal El Obeid. Clube Recreativo Desportivo do Libolo crop the group with 3 points.
The next round of matches for this group is scheduled for 20 June when Zesco United travel to Clube Recreativo Desportivo do Libolo while El Hilal El Obeid will welcome.
