Zanaco survived a first half wave of yellow to beat ASEC Mimosa 1-0 in Lusaka in the two sides Orange CAF Champions League first round, first leg match played at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka today.
ASEC were almost unstoppable in a first half they totally dominated against hosts Zanaco.
Midfielder Evrard Zagbayou and former Cote d’Ivoire Under-23 striker Jean-Paul Mangoua were in devastating form in the first half unsettling Zanaco’s left flank manned by Maybin Chishimba.
Zagbayou had two attempts in`16th with a shot saved by Racha Kola and three minutes later saw his header sail wide.
Mangoua had a chance in the 38th minute with a point-blank range effort from a Patrick Kouakou cross in the 35th minute but missed when it seemed easier to score at point blank range.
Meanwhile, Zanaco defender Kennedy Nkethani had a first half to forget and could not contain Kouakou on the right.
The tide changed after the break thanks mostly to the arrival of striker Mathew Macha who replaced defender Thomas Nyirenda.
Coach Wedson Nyirenda’s tactical decision to turn to offense paid off as Macha gave Zanaco’s attack some much needed life.
Zanaco put pressure on ASEC and the visitors buckled before fizzling out as tired Zagbayou and Mangoua were substituted.
Zanaco secured an important win with a goal in the in the 75th minute scored by Makundika Sakala who turned in the ball from a through ball from Macha.
The two sides meet in Abidjan in a fortnight’s time.
Ba ZANACO Chipolopolo iye. Well done ma gents
Well done ZANACO, but be very very careful in Abidjan
Zanaco Chipolopolo!
ZANACO, currently you are one of the well sponsored clubs in the nation, and results like these should continue , ka? te? No compromise!! A deep foundation determines the height of a building, eeh? mwaikata baka’mba?
well done Zanaco but careful in west africa the margine is too slime :d/
:)>-:)>-**==well done zanaco ! keep flying the flag high and remember what you did to the ugandans ,you don’t want that to happen to you ..attacking is the best form of defence and watch out for counter attacks .good luck in the return match ..good foresight coach on the tactical change at half time :d/:d/:d/:)):))<:-p<:-p
Its a good result,but be careful in Abidjan,it will be wave after wave
The margin is too slim. Zanaco will be done in Abidjan.
Ba wedson nyirenda, Coaches how do you make a defensive line up considering that it a first leg match and at your home ground. Thats the opportunity for the home team to get full points and score alot of goals. Anyway maybe you thought you are in Abidjan.
What are the results for Zesco guys? Did they win too?
how can you only score one goal am sorry but i feel you out.
Congrats my in law Wedson. Go! go! With God on your side no one can stand against you. Uyu wine Lesa waishiba tata alakufisha apatali ne team lyobe.
Mother J.