The Four-Club preseason tournament kicked off yesterday with some mouthwatering fixtures that saw Red Arrows beat Zanaco 1-0 in the opening fixture.
Ndola based league giants ZESCO United clashed against Green Eagles in an exciting afternoon fixture which ended in stalemate.
With some counterattacking football on show from both sides, Ugandan striker Alfred Leku broke the deadlock in the first half with an exquisite tap in after a sumptuous cross from John Chingandu.
Leku was on song among a sizable crowd that thronged to the Nkoloma stadium to witness the opening games.
The Ugandan didn’t disappoint, making life difficult for Green Eagles defenders who had a torrid time keeping him at bay.
Green Eagles got an equalizer in the dying minutes of the game after Warren Kunda dispatched a powerful shot outside the box which left Gregory Sanjase helpless.
And ZESCO United Head Coach Numba Mumamba expressed happiness with the team’s performance on matchday one.
“This has proved to be a good tournament. Our team is shaping up very well. From what we have seen, everyone is doing well. I think we just need to help them sharpen up before the start of the season.”
Mumamba further congratulated newly signed ZESCO United goal poacher, Leku for scoring his first goal for the club.
“It was an important game and goal for him especially that this was his first game. He has done very well, and I think he is somebody that we will rely on. We just need to encourage him.”
Tomorrow ZESCO United face Zanaco at 15:00 hours on matchday two of the tournament while Green Eagles will meet Red Arrows in an early kick off (13:00).
Author: Desmond Katongo