By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE -At Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
Zesco 0 Don Bosco 1
ZESCO United yesterday suffered a setback in their preparations for the CAF Confederation Cup as they lost 1-0 to Don Bosco of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola in the four-team pre-season training tournament.
But Power Dynamos restored Zambia’s pride after putting up a spirited fight to subdue South Africa’s giants Mamelodi Sundowns in their opening fixture.
In the Zesco match, the decisive goal came in the 88th minute through a defensive error when debutant Bornwell Silengwa’s back pass went over his goalkeeper Lameck Nyangu and the ball sunk in the net to award the visitors a lead.
Don Bosco dominated play in the first half hitting the woodwork twice on 20 and 38 minutes through Chanda Maisha who kept Zesco’s defense on their toes.
Both goalkeepers were not really tested in the first 45 minutes, with Don Bosco shot stopper Mboma Mbala a mere spectator in the first stanza.
The game never gathered pace but there were also a few moments of real quality, none more so than a sumptuous thunderous strike by Gift Sakuwaha that forced a full stretch from Mbala on 64 minutes.
The home side pushed for an opener but chasing shadows after falling behind with two minutes left as Don Bosco held on to the advantage untill the final whistle.
Power 3 Sundowns 2
Power Dynamos put up a spirited fight to subdue South Africa’s giants Mamelodi Sundowns in their opening fixture, thanks to a brilliant late flurry and an 85th-minute winner by Kobe Chipeta.
Alex Ng’onga made a strong statement on his return to Power after a loan spell at Nchanga Rangers last season when he scored the opener on eight minutes with a clinical finish before Wayne Arendse restored parity three minutes later.
Emmanuel Chimpinde put the Kitwe giants back in the lead on 14 minutes but Curthbert Malagila pulled one back to force the game on 2-2 at half time.
The second half saw both teams play with purpose but it was Power who emerged stronger to score a late winner via Chipeta.
Zesco will now face Power Dynamos on Wednesday while Don Bosco will battle it out with South African giants Sundowns.
