CAF Confederation: ZESCO United Face Must-Win Clash
ZESCO United will be under intense pressure when they host Kaizer Chiefs in a decisive CAF Confederation Cup group-stage encounter, with both southern African sides still searching for their first victory in the competition.
ZESCO’s campaign has started on a difficult note, having lost their opening two group matches to leave themselves with no margin for error. Kaizer Chiefs, by contrast, have managed to collect a single point after drawing 1–1 with Egyptian giants Zamalek. That result has kept Amakhosi in contention, but anything less than victory in Ndola would leave their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.
This context gives the fixture a different dimension. A win for Kaizer Chiefs would take them to four points, a total that would significantly revive their chances of progressing from the group stages. For ZESCO United, only a win will do if they are to keep their continental campaign alive and restore confidence after a slow start.
Speaking in an interview on KBN TV’s Weekend GP Magazine Show, ZESCO United Chief Executive Officer Kelvin Mutafu confirmed that the club is actively using the January transfer window to strengthen the squad. He revealed that the technical bench is targeting reinforcements in areas that have lacked consistency, particularly in attack and goalkeeping.
“The technical bench is on the market taking advantage of the January transfer window to reinforce the squad, especially the striking force and the goalkeeping department,” Mutafu said.
ZESCO have already begun reshaping their squad following the departure of Ivorian striker Fred Micheals. The club moved quickly to secure Emmanuel Manda from FC MUZA as a replacement. Further changes could follow, with midfielder Pascal Phiri strongly linked with a move to Egyptian side Pyramids FC, who are reportedly impressed by his ability to read the game and control midfield play while contributing both defensively and offensively.
On the domestic front, ZESCO United currently sit eighth in the MTN Super League. They are also the defending champions of the ABSA Cup, Zambia’s only national knockout competition. With only seven league positions guaranteeing continental qualification as of Week 17, pressure is mounting. Before turning their attention to Kaizer Chiefs, ZESCO will face struggling 13-time league champions Nkana at Chilata Stadium in a crucial league fixture, knowing that dropped points could damage both their title defence ambitions and their push for a return to continental football next season.
History offers encouragement for “Zega Mambo.” The last two meetings between ZESCO United and Kaizer Chiefs both ended in victories for the Zambian side. In 2019, in a similar CAF competition, ZESCO claimed a 3–1 win at home before completing the double with a 2–1 victory away in South Africa.
Mutafu has since appealed to Zambian football fans to turn up in large numbers for the clash at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on 25 January, Matchday Three of the CAF Confederation Cup group stage. He emphasised the importance of home advantage, even as it is anticipated that Kaizer Chiefs will travel with a sizeable number of supporters to rally behind Amakhosi, who are also desperate for their first win of the campaign.
Upcoming fixtures
Nkana vs ZESCO United – 11 January 2026
ZESCO United vs Kaizer Chiefs – 25 January (CAF Confederation Cup)
With qualification hopes on the line, the encounter promises intensity, urgency, and high stakes, as both teams battle to keep their continental ambitions alive.
