CAFCL: Jwaneng coach Connor worried with conceded goals in ZESCO defeat

Jwaneng Galaxy coach Sean Connor admitted he was not happy about the result following the 4-3 defeat against ZESCO United of Zambia Botswana in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup pre-group stage in an action-packed match at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Ndola on Saturday.

It was the Botswana, who scored first, forcing the Ndola-based side to come from behind twice before holding on to a slender advantage heading into the reverse fixture in Botswana in a fortnight.

Galaxy drew first blood through Thabang Sesinyi, who struck twice inside the opening 30 minutes to silence the home crowd.

But ZESCO hit back almost immediately when Hiver Amine equalised with a smart finish before converting a penalty on the stroke of half-time to make it 2–2. The Zambian champions took control in the second half through quickfire goals from Kabaso Chongo (71’) and Chilongoshi Zachariah (74’) to go 4-2 up.

Connor delighted his side performed in attack

“I’m not happy we conceded four goals. I think the penalty was a bit soft, so I have to look at it again. We drifted a bit — 2-2, we wanted to ensure we don’t concede more goals.” Connor told reporters after the six-goal thriller in Ndola

ZESCO United will now need either a win or a draw in the return leg to qualify for the group stage while Jwaneng Galaxy can progress with a 1-0 win.

The two teams will meet again at Obert Itani Chilume Stadium for the return leg on Saturday, October 25, with the overall winner sealing a place in group stages of the competition.