Kaizer Chiefs celebrated a historic first-ever win against a Zambian side in their CAF Confederations Cup clash at ZESCO United on Sunday.
After previously twice losing to ZESCO in the playoff round in 2018/19, and so far being unable to collect a win against a Zambian side, Amakhosi collected an important win at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The visitors got off to a perfect start after a corner found the head of Flavio Da Silva, whose attempt was initially saved by Philip Sakauta, but Pule Mmodi scored from the rebound.
There wasn’t much else to write home about in the first 45 minutes, with Chiefs dictating play without creating too much, while keeping the hosts away from their own goal.
ZESCO coach Mathews Ndhlovu surprised many with a double substitution before the break, taking off Peter Musukuma and Vitalis Ganter to introduce Derrick Obame and Emmanuel Mwanza.
Chiefs themselves also made a change at half-time, with Glody Lilepo replacing Khanyisa Mayo, who had very little involvement in the first interval.
Amine Hiver unleashed a powerful shot in the 57th minute but it flew just past the post from Brandon Petersen.
Overall, the game remained rare on scoring opportunities, with Chiefs just doing enough to prevent the home side from really threatening Petersen’s goal.
ZESCO had a late chance to find the opener but Petersen came quickly off his line to deny Mwanza.
The 1-0 victor saw Amakhosi move to four points on the log, but they stayed in third place level on points with Zamalek and two behind leaders Al Masry, with the two Egyptian giants facing each other this evening.
In a week’s time, Chiefs will welcome ZESCO United in South Africa, with the match set to take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium.