ZESCO United Football Club Team Ya Ziko
ZESCO United’s dreams of advancing to the CAF Confederations Cup Group stage came to a grinding halt after the Zambians failed to get past Royal AM of South Africa.
The Zambian Super League giants were held to a 1-1 home draw by South African side in a match played at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium, Ndola.
Royal AM eliminated ZESCO United from the competition on away goals rule after the first leg played in South Africa ended 0-0 with the South Africans managing to score in yesterday’s 1-1 draw.
The hosts were the first to open the deadlock with a 31’ minute Collins Sikombe long range shot which left Royal AM goalkeeper Zakahle Ngcobo completely beaten.
Ngcobo had been the difference of the two sides in the first leg producing some jaw dropping saves which denied the visitors a goal.
Yesterday Ngcobo yet again proved the difference following his heroic saves which kept most of ZESCO United’s threats on target completely iced.
The hosts started the first half on a blistering note with Ngcobo called into action as early as the 9’ minute following Sikombe’s long range shot which the South African parried into Chanda Mukuka’s path with the later’s rebound saved by the Royal AM shot stopper.
ZESCO United sustained their first half lead and looked pumped up to progress to the third and last stage of the competition’s qualifying series.
The visitors started the second half pressing to get what could potentially turn out to be a crucial away goal for them.
ZESCO United and Kenyan international goalkeeper Ian Otieno, had a day to forget after his school boy error gifted the visitors with a 58’ minute goal.
Otieno calmly collected Samson Mkandawire’s back pass in full view of Royal AM players and Somali referee Oman Artan.
Artan was left with no choice but to award the protesting Royal AM players a free-kick inside the ZESCO United penalty box.
Substitute Ruzaigh Gamildien dispatched a perfect free-kick which left Otieno completely beaten.
Royal AM defended their goal with all their hearts preventing ZESCO United from getting a second.
Author: Desmond Katongo
