By FELIX MALUNGA –

WITH an eye on bettering the 2009 record, Zesco United need to win big against Guinean side, AS Kaloum this afternoon to put one step in the second round of the 2015 CAF Champions League.
In this Champions League first round, first leg set for the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, George Lwandamina’s men, who warmed up for Kaloum with a 3-1 Charity Shield final win over Power Dynamos, are aware of the importance of winning comfortably at home.
By winning by a big margin, the Zambian champions may render the April 5 return leg at Kaloum’s adopted home ground in Bamako, Mali, a mere formality.

. Zahoui

But Kaloum coached by an equally experienced Ivorian in Francois Zahoui are no push-over as evidenced by their giant-killing act in the preliminary round when they knocked out a much-fancied Sewe Sport of Ivory Coast.
To get to this stage, Zesco overcame a stubborn Mbabane Swallows of Swaziland 2-1 on aggregate while Kaloum beat Sewe Sport 3-2 over two legs.
However, Lwandamina seems not to be bothered by Kaloum and believes his charges are capable of producing the much-desired results against the Guineans.
“I don’t know too much about the other team (Kaloum). Based on our strength, I think we have a team which can play at any level. And basing on that, I think it will be a good game,” he said in an interview.
Despite bubbling with confidence, Lwandamina will be going to war without his hitman Jackson Mwanza and left-back Ayo Oluwafemi, who are suspended and injured, respectively.
To boost the team’s morale, the Zesco trainer called upon Zambians to turn up in numbers and fill up Levy Mwanawasa to support the team that reached the lucrative Champions League group stage in 2009.
As for Zahoui, who coached the Ivory Coast national team when they lost to Zambia at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, is anticipating a tough match.
He, however, said Kaloum were determined to progress to the next stage of Africa’s prestigious club competition.
“All games in the Champions League are difficult but we are determined and that is why we are here. We are aware it will be a tough match,” Zahoui said upon arrival in Ndola.
While admitting of having little knowledge of Zesco’s system of play, Zahoui will rely on his captain Ben Adama, who faced the Zambians in 2009.
Adama came face to face with Zesco while featuring for Ivorian side Africa Sport who lost 2-1 on aggregate in the Champions League first round clash.
Kabongo Kassongo, the scorer of a goal that eliminated Sewe, is another player Zesco defenders should look out for.
Zesco’s backline of Dauti Musekwa, Bornwell Silengo, Kondwani Mtonga and Emmanuel Mathias need to also keep an eye on Alseny Agogo and shield goalkeeper Jacob Banda from Kaloum raids.
Lwandamina will look up to striker Winston Kalengo and Humphrey Maseneko among others for get past the Guineans.
Misheck Chaila and Justin Zulu,whose goals knocked out Swallows, will take care of business in the midfield with John Ching’andu and Lazarous Kambole operating on the wings.
Tanzanian referee Israel Mujuni will be in charge of this tie.