Zesco United defender David “Calabar” Owino is expecting a better outing away to Etoile du Sahel in the CAF Champions League Match Day 2 at Stade Olmpique de Sousse, Sousse, Tunisia Wednesday.
Owino scored in the Zambian side’s 1-1 home draw against Swaziland’s Mbabane Swallows in their opening Group “D” match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola on 5th May in a match they were unlucky to drop two points.
He opened scoring in the 65th minute with a sumptuous header from a corner kick but, the visitors restored order in the 80th minute through Mangaliso Simanga Shongwe, who equally buried a header from a similar situation.
“Our objective was to win the game; however, unfortunately the result never reflected our plan.
“We played very well – creating a lot of scoring chances only that we never converted them into goals,” the Kenyan international told Soka25east.
The soft spoken defender known for his attacking prowess especially from set piece situations, is chuffed he managed to break the deadlock at a time his team was lethargic in front of goal.
“Even though we eventually drew, it was nice being on the score-sheet more so scoring when the team needed it the most.”
Going into the Wednesday’s continental assignment away in Sousse, Tunisia, the former Gor Mahia man is positive they can atone for the dropped points and pick the first win of the group.
Owino is banking on the team’s past experience – facing North African oppositions to see them through in this.
Zesco reached the semis of the 2016 edition – losing to eventual winners Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa. In the campaign, they beat the tournament’s record champions Al Ahly of Egypt.
“I think we learnt our mistakes and picked some positives; we are ready to make amends.
“I know it won’t be a walk in the park, a tough game it will be, but we are equal to the task. We have played teams from North Africa before and they also know what we can do so we are hoping for the best.”
Etoile were equally winless in Match Day 1 – drawing 1-1 away to Club Desportivo 1 de Agosto of Angola in Luanda.
Zesco leave for Tunisia Saturday evening. Head coach George “Chicken” Lwandamina named an 18-man team for the trip earlier today.
The squad remains the same as the one that did duty against Swallows except for three changes on the substitute bench.
Burundi international goalkeeper Diuendonne Ntibahezwa has given way for Lameck Nyangu, while defender Bornwell Silengo and striker Logic Chingandu have been replaced by midfielders’ Misheck Chaila and Enock Sabumukama.
Utility midfielder Edward Tembo, who joined Zesco this season from demoted City of Lusaka, is set for his debut away in Sousse.
Etoile du Sahel are among the notable giants of the African club football. Nicknamed The Star, the team bagged their only Champions League title in 2007 after finishing runners-up in 2004 and 2005.
They finished second in the recently concluded Tunisian League 1 behind Esperance de Sahel and have secured the Champions League football next year.
The Red and White lost to Ben Guerdane in their final league match Thursday and will be taking on rivals Club Africain in the Tunisian Cup Sunday before they host Zesco.
Zesco United’s squad;
GOALKEEPERS: Jacob Banda, Lameck Nyangu
DEFENDERS: Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu, Marcel Kalonda, David Owino, Daut Musekwa, Edward Tembo
MIDFIELDERS: Anthony Akumu, Kondwani Mtonga, John Chingandu, Mwape Mwelwa, Misheck Chaila, Enock Sabumukama
STRIKERS: Jackson Mwanza, Winston Kalengo, Jesse Were, Lazarus Kambole
