By MOSES CHIMFWEMBE –
Swallows  1   Zesco   1
A CONTROVERSIAL stoppage-time goal yesterday denied Zesco United victory away at Swaziland’s Mbabane Swallows in the 2015 Orange CAF Champions League in Mbabane.
The two sides squared up to a draw in the preliminary round first leg tie played at Somhlolo National Stadium.
Zesco were a better side in this particular encounter and deserved a win before a moment of controversy saw Swallows’ restore parity through striker Felix Badenhorst in stoppage time.
Goal line technology was needed to decide on Badenhorst’s header that hit the underside of the crossbar and back into play but Lesotho referee Mohau John Sentho adjudged it for a goal.
Sentho’s decision was met with protest from Zesco players but the goal stood.
Midfield genius Justin Zulu grabbed the lead for the visitors after powering in from close range at the nick of half-time as Zesco went into the break with an advantage.
Zulu deserved to be on the scorers’ sheet because of his commanding performance that saw Zesco control the midfield.
Coach George Lwandamina retained his faith in the attacking duo of Jackson Mwanza and Winston Kalengo with Kondwani Mtonga dropping into central defence to partner Emmanuel Mathias with Zulu anchoring the midfield.
Lwandamina’s tactics worked well as the Zambian champions dominated play with Mwanza and Kalengo consistently posing a threat to the Swallows’ backline.
Goalkeeper Jacob Banda kept Zesco in the game after producing an outstanding save to deny Badenhorst in the 50th minute.
New signings Misheck Chaila and Ayo Oluwafemi also made their debut for the Ndola outfit in Swaziland.
The result puts Zesco in a better position to qualify to the first round going into the second led that will be staged at Levy Mwanawasa stadium in two weeks time.
A goalless draw or better will see Zesco in the first round of the Champions League.
The winner over both legs will play either Sewe Sport of Ivory Coast or AS Kaloum of Guinea in next month.
AS Kaloum stunned Sewe Sport 2-1 in the first leg on Saturday.