Zesco United’s unprecedented superb run in the 2016 CAF Champions League campaign came to a screeching halt at the semis, succumbing to a 3-2 aggregate loss to Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe stadium, Pretoria on Saturday 24.
The Zambians carried a slim 2-1 first leg win into the enthralling tie and needed a simple victory or a draw to sail through to maiden finals, but the night belonged to “Masandawana” who scored two goals in each half through Anthony Laffor and Percy Tau to book the finals slot in over a decade.
Talking to the media after the huge setback, a collected Zesco boss George “Chicken” Lwandamina admitted they missed an opportunity to kill the game in Ndola when they failed to convert numerous scoring chances they created a week back, nonetheless lamented over what he termed “home town” calls against his charges.
“It’s been a good walk, we have done so well, and bookmakers didn’t even give us chance, unfortunately our road has ended here, but the boys still fought, like I said we made few mistakes plus coupled with home town decisions which was coming from the referee also affected the game, otherwise it was a well fought game and a congratulate Sundowns.”
Tau header elicited offside calls, however video replays showed the diminutive forward moved with the floated ball catching the defense flat footed before burying it past Zesco keeper Jacob Banda.
The former Zambia’s “Chipolopolo” Coach shifts focus to the domestic league which he hopes to retain for the third time on the bounce so as to have another go at the continental biggest club honors.
“We have gathered so much experience along the way, the boys have grown and hopefully we will be able to retain the league back home and return next year.”
“Team ya ziko” are placed fourth on the Zambian Super League table on 43 points, 18 off leaders Zanaco with 6 games at hand.
@bonfaceosano
