Zesco United will in a few hours time face what could be the biggest test in their football history when they go toe to toe with Wydad Casablanca of Morocco in match day 2 of the CAF Champions League group stage at Complex Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
The Group A fixture kicks off at 22:00 Moroccan time, (00:00) Central African time and promises to be full of goals.
Zesco pulled off a famous 3-2 win in the opening game against Egyptian giants Al Ahly in Ndola while beat Asec Wydad
And who is to say the Zambians can’t do it again? Coach George Lwandamina possesses one of the most talented squads at the moment.
Even in the absence of Kenyan Striker Jesse Were and defender Ben Adama Bahn in the squad, Team ya Ziko were able to stand their own against the much experienced Egyptians led by an experienced Manager Martin Jol.
Zega face a similar task against very strong opposition in the shape of Wydad Casablanca more especially that Zambian clubs have always struggled against Arab opposition.
Wydad dominated Moroccan football for the past 5 years and have earned their name in continental football. Their physical and technical approach to the game will pose a problem for Zesco United.
HEAD TO HEAD
This is the first time the two teams are meeting in the competition.
KEY PLAYERS
Zesco United
Clatous Chota Chama struck a double against Al Ahly in Ndola. He is poised to lead Zesco’s attack with the returning Jesse Jackson Were. Misheck Chaila will be expected to be on point in the Zesco United midfield while Kondwani Mutonga will lead from the back.
Wydad Casablanca
Coach John Toshack, has within his ranks a very youthful side full of match winners. Toshack will look for inspiration from young and upcoming players including Zouhair El Moutaraji, Ayman El Hassouni, and Hamza Elowasti.
Striker Keita Ibrahim is on a good goal scoring spree and hopes to keep his momentum going.
PERMUTATIONS
A win for either side will see them take a commanding lead of the group with both teams sitting on 3 points. The tie is very crucial for Zega but Lwandamina is bouyant his side can pull another shock.
“All the ties are significant. There is no tie which is irrelevant.
“We are at 3 points each so yes the match will be tough more especially that we are playing away from home but we have done our homework,” Lwandamina said.
