CAFCC: Zesco United coach blames mistake for Kaizer Chiefs defeats

Zesco United head coach Mathews Ndlovu said his side made a mistake which Kaizer Chiefs used to beat them in their CAF Confederation Cup fixture on Sunday.

The South African outfit claimed a narrow but vital 1–0 victory over Zesco United at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, thanks to an early goal from Pule Mmodi that proved decisive.

Chiefs struck in just two minutes when Mmodi reacted quickest inside the box to convert from close range following a corner, giving Chiefs a dream start. Moments earlier, Flávio Silva had hit the post from another corner, signaling Chiefs’ early dominance.

‘We couldn’t clear the ball’

“At this stage where we are, you are forced, or rather challenged, to play on any pitch. So, for them, if that was their excuse, then we won’t even complain if we travel to their stadium,” explained Ndlovu as quoted by Bola News.

“But football has been played on the pitch, so unfortunately it came out like that. But for us, yes, we’ve been training on the same pitch, but the result shouldn’t be determined by that because we play on the same surface.

“We made a mistake, they utilised it, and we couldn’t clear the ball. Does the pitch favour mistakes? It’s how you apply yourself.”

The second half saw Zesco increase the pressure, winning multiple free kicks and corners as they searched for an equalizer. Despite several stoppages due to injuries, Chiefs held firm to secure a hard-fought clean sheet.