CAFCC: Siwale confident ZESCO can score three after slim Jwaneng advantage

ZESCO United coach Emmanuel Siwale has remained confident they have what it takes to score three goals after they conceded the same number despite registered hard-fought 4-3 victory over Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup pre-group stage fixture at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Ndola on Saturday.

The Ndola-based outfit were forced 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.

ZESCO can also score three goals there

Galaxy reduced the deficit late on via Chicco Molefe in the 88th minute, setting up a tense return leg. Although ZESCO won, Siwale told reporters during a post – match press conference that his players were not fully satisfied after the team conceded a late third goal, which handed the visitors a valuable away goal advantage.

“Of course we wanted more than what we have done. But based on the result, it’s a win and it will help going forward. They managed to score three, we can also go and score three there.” Siwale said.

“I’m confident because we managed to score four (goals) today. Of course we could have done better especially in terms of conceding,”

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