CAFCC: Siwale unveils ZESCO United squad to face Jwaneng Galaxy

Zambia Super League side ZESCO United head coach Emmanuel Siwale has named his 20-man squad for the reverse CAF Confederation Cup fixture against Jwaneng Galaxy, scheduled for Saturday, October 25, at the Obed Itani Chilume Stadium in Francistown.

After securing a 4-3 win in the first leg at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola last Saturday, the team is determined to progress to the next stage. In the first leg meeting, Siwale made one change to the side that had defeated FC 105 of Congo Brazzaville 5-0 in the previous round.

Mathews Chabala was handed his debut, starting ahead of skipper Lindo Mkhonta. The visitors opened the scoring in the 15th minute through Thabang Sesinyi, who finished off a swift attacking move.

Zesco United’s Amine Hiver thought he had levelled in the 22nd minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside. Persistent attacking play eventually paid off when Hiver equalised after being set up by Kapamba to make it 1-1.

However, Jwaneng Galaxy regained their lead in the 30th minute after a goalkeeping error from Philip Sakauta, with Sesinyi netting his second of the match. Just before the break, Zesco United were awarded a penalty following a handball inside the box, and Hiver converted from the spot to make it 2–2 at half-time.

In the second half, Zesco United began strongly, with Coach Siwale introducing Pascal Phiri and Freddy Michael for Abraham Siakombo and Peter Musukuma. The changes made an immediate impact as Phiri delivered a precise cross that found Kabaso Chongo, who put Zesco ahead 3–2 in the 70th minute.

Phiri continued to trouble the opposition, providing another assist for Zachariah Chilongoshi to extend the lead to 4-2. Siwale later made further substitutions, bringing on Shemmy Mayembe and Vitalis G. for Hiver and Chilongoshi in the 80th minute.

Jwaneng Galaxy pulled one back in the 85th minute through Chicco Molefe, setting up a tense finish. Despite late pressure, Zesco United held on to secure a 4–3 win at home.

FULL TRAVELLING SQUAD:

GOALKEEPERS: Philip Sakauta, Sochima Victor.

DEFENDERS: Kabaso Chongo, Mathews Chabala, Solomon Sakala, Lindo Mkhonta, Benedict Chepeshi, Zachariah Chilongoshi, Shemmy Mayembe.

MIDFIELDERS: Leonard Mulenga, Vitalis Gantar, Peter Musukuma, Chanda Mukuka, David Simukonda, Abraham Siankombo, Pascal Phiri, Kelvin Kampamba.

FORWARDS: Amine Hiver, Alex Ngonga, and Freddy Michael.