Zambia’s representatives in the CAF Champions League Zanaco started on a flying note with a 3-0 win over Gambia Armed Forces in Lusaka at the Nkoloma Stadium, while ZESCO United on the other hand had a torrid time in Zanzibar against Jeshi la Kujenga Uchumi Football Club (JKU FC) at the Amaan Stadium.

Team ya Ziko put out a reasonably good squad with the likes of Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu, Lazarous Kambole, David Owino Odhiambo, Anthony Akumu Agay, John Chingandu, Kondwani Mtonga and Jesse Jackson all starting the game.

But ZESCO were unable to get that away goal and it might prove costly to come away without scoring an away goal.

Little know JKU FC, held their own against a well drilled ZESCO United team.

One would now think Tenant Chembo has pressure to deliver a next round spot for the side that finished at the Quarterfinal stage in last year’s CAF Confederations Cup.

To exit at the preliminary stage would be considered a total failure for the Zambian Club.

However, it’s expected of Zesco United to finish the job back in Ndola and qualify to the next round.

Zanaco are likely to do well in the Champions League this time around.

Numba Mumamba has learnt one or two from the last outings in the Champions League and having lost Augustine Mulenga to Orlando Pirates, the latest acquisition, Zimbabwean Tafadzwa Rusike is a more than worthy replacement.

He put in a very good shift in the game and made life easy for the fellow debutant Martin Phiri who netted a brace for the Bankers.

Skipper Ziyo Tembo has always been reliable and got things going for Zanaco grabbing a goal for himself.

Zanaco should have an easy task making it to the next stage of the CAF Champions League especially that they carry a clean sheet to Gambia.

Buffaloes have learnt a Lesson from their heavy loss in Port Said and their stay in the CAF Confederations Cup is looking almost over unless they put 5 unanswered goals past the Egyptian side.

Experience was the difference for Almasry Sports Club with the likes of Burkina Faso veteran Aristide Bance doing the damage. Islam Salah, Mohamed Koffi and Islam Eissa rounded off a well deserved victory.

You need experience in your squad. At least poach one or two from even teams in Angola or Zimbabwe who have Continental experience.

Currently the Buffaloes squad is quite thin and has little or no experience when it comes Continental Football.

Management at the club must reconsider their recruitment policy and offer slots for foreign based players.

And as for Nkana a club that is exempt from the preliminary rounds of the CAF Confederations Cup, they know this competition very well.

That is why the 12 times League Champions were quick to get the likes of Idris Mbombo in the team.

Mbombo has played Continental Football with ZESCO United and will bring massive experience to the Kitwe based outfit.

Coach Beston Chambeshi has already achieved continental glory with the Zambia Under 20 and will look to put smiles on the Nkana supporters with a Clubs Competition silverware.

Kelvin Trudeau Musako

Football Journalist | TotalEnergies AFCON 2021 Photographer | Media Officer - Kabwe Warriors FC | Graphic Designer | Videographer