Zesco United were held to a one all draw by Mbabane Swallows in the CAF Champions League Group C match played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The game got off to a lively start with Zesco midfielder Antony Akumu missing a chance at the one end, and Jacob Banda forced into a top save at the other within the opening 10 minutes.

Swallows then went even closer in the 35th minute as they struck the woodwork.

But, despite chances at either end of the park the game would be deadlocked at 0-0 after the opening stanza.

The second half was more of the same with Swallows creating most of the chances, while Zesco looked to pounce on the counter.

Ndolvu was the first man to test the goalkeeper in the 48th minute as he rose high to meet a free kick from Daniel Atakorah, but he was denied by Kapumbu on the line.

In the 55th minute Njambulo Ndolvu forced another save from the goalkeeper before Umukoro headed just wide six minutes later.

Zesco did finally break the deadlock nine minutes later with courtesy of Kenyan international David Owino header from John Ching’andu well delivered corner.

Swallows keeper was called into action in the 74th minute, palming a free-kick from Wiston Lalengo over the crossbar, before blocking another good shot from Were three minutes later.

Thabo Koki’s men found the equalizer on the 80th minute when MangalisoMangaliso Shongwe, who had replaced Daniel Atakorah on 65 minutes, headed home a Tony Tsabeze cross.

In the final minutes there was end to end action as Jacob Banda forced a good save from Mukweli in the 87th minute, before Gerson saw his effort coming off the inside of the post a minute later.

Then in the 89th minute Zesco almost capitalised from another quick break which saw Kalondo breaking free on the right, but he failed to grab his brace and a late winner as he dragged his shot wide of the far post.

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