Chiefs lose to Zesco in Zambia

Kaizer Chiefs were edged 3-1 by Zesco United in the first leg of the Caf Confederation Cup pre-group stage round at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Zambia.

There was a good atmosphere in the stadium, helped by a band which mixed samba and brass band music. Three Brazilian-sounding drums added to creating a lively vibe.

Amakhosi more than held their own in the early stages of the game until their opponents' star striker Lazarous Kambole hit a ferocious shot from just outside the box, leaving goalkeeper Virgil Vries with no chance.

Five minutes later there was another goal, again from Zesco. Teenage Hadebe tackled Jesse Were, who went down a little too easily. The Zimbabwean referee Norman Matemera, however, decided to point to the spot. Zesco’s striker Were slotted the ball home to make it 2-0.

But the Glamour Boys didn’t give up. They fought hard to get back into the game and even got a golden opportunity when the ball landed in front of Khama Billiat in the box. The Zimbabwean hit the ball well, only to see the strike hit the crossbar.

Just thereafter Billiat did score. A long ball from Chiefs’ backline into Zesco’s box was wrongly handled by a defender and landed in front of Billiat, who put the ball from close range into the top of the net.

The halftime score was 2-1, with both sides showing a willingness to go forward.

Coach Ernst Middendorp made a substitution at halftime, bringing on Dumsani Zuma for Godfrey Walusimbi to be more forceful in attack.

BILLIAT DENIED BRACE

Amakhosi did try to control the game and got a few chances to find the back of the net.

At some stage it looked as if Billiat got his brace. Leonardo Castro passed the ball to the skilful attacker who slotted the ball home. The referee pointed to the middle. But that’s when the linesman got involved – he raised his flag, supposedly for offside, which it most likely wasn’t.

Instead of Chiefs getting the equaliser, it was the home side that scored shortly thereafter (in the 55th minute) and it was again Were who put the ball past goalkeeper Vries.

There was another substitution in the 69th minute, with Bernard Parker coming in for Zuma, who struggled to find his rhythm.

Despite the loss, Chiefs showed spirit and created numerous chances to score. They were somewhat unlucky not have added another goal.

There were some fine performances from Billiat and Ekstein, although he faded somewhat in the second half, as well as Ntiya-Ntiya and Parker after coming on as a substitute.

Zesco, to be fair, also got opportunities to extend their lead.

The 3-1 result means, however, that it is far from decided who will go through to the group stage of the Caf Confederation Cup.

The Amakhosi squad will travel back to South Africa on Monday morning, after which follows an Absa Premiership match on the road against AmaZulu at King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday (kick-off at 19:30).

The second leg between Chiefs and Zesco will take place at FNB Stadium on Saturday, 19 January (kick-off is at 20:00).

Kaizer Chiefs: Vries; Cardoso, Booysen, Hadebe, Walusimbi (Zuma 46, Parker 69’); Manyama, Katsande (Moon 83’), Ekstein, Ntiya-Ntiya; Billiat, Castro

Subs not used: Bvuma, Ngezana, Zulu, Andrianarimanana, Ntshangase, Zuma.

Article courtesy of Kaizer Chiefs