ZESCO United face an uphill battle in the CAF Confederation Cup after suffering a 2-0 defeat to FC 105 Libreville in the preliminary round first leg on Saturday. Despite the setback in Gabon, assistant coach Emmanuel Siwale remains confident that the Zambian giants can overturn the deficit when they host the return leg in Ndola.
ZESCO’s Missed Chances in Libreville
The Ndola-based side created numerous opportunities but failed to capitalize, with Siwale admitting that missed chances proved costly. “We missed chances that could have put us three goals up in the first half. At this level, if you miss chances, you get punished,” he told reporters after the match.
The defeat came as a shock for ZESCO, who were expected to dominate their less-fancied opponents. However, Siwale noted that the technical bench now has valuable knowledge of FC 105’s playing style heading into the second leg.
Lessons Learned and Tactical Adjustments
Siwale acknowledged that limited prior knowledge of the Gabonese side worked against ZESCO in the first leg. “I could have researched more, but having watched them now, we know what they do and what they might try at home,” he said.
The assistant coach stressed that the focus will now be on tactical adjustments and strengthening the team’s mental resilience. With home advantage, ZESCO are determined to turn things around and book a spot in the next round of the Confederation Cup.
The Role of Home Support in Ndola
The return fixture at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium could prove decisive, with ZESCO banking on their home crowd to rally behind them. Siwale expressed confidence that the fans’ energy will inspire the players to deliver:
“If they can score two here, nothing denies us from scoring two or even more at home. Our fans will give us that 12th-man support. We need them more than ever to help us qualify.”
ZESCO must score at least three unanswered goals in Ndola to progress, a task that requires sharp finishing and defensive discipline.
Conclusion
While the 2-0 loss to FC 105 Libreville leaves ZESCO United with work to do, the tie is far from decided. The Ndola giants will rely on home advantage, tactical adjustments, and passionate fan support to overturn the deficit and keep their CAF Confederation Cup hopes alive.
