Zesco United have officially booked their place in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy in what promises to be a high-stakes Southern African encounter.
The Ndola giants completed one of the most dramatic turnarounds of the competition so far. After losing 2-0 away to FC 105 Libreville, Zesco returned home and delivered a five-star masterclass — thrashing the Gabonese side 5-0 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
The comeback script began early. David Simukonda struck in the 4th minute, before captain Kabaso Chongo doubled the lead two minutes later, setting the tone for a dominant display. Veteran striker Alex Ngonga added the third before halftime, piling pressure on the visitors. In the second half, Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba converted from the spot, and Amine Haiver sealed the rout with an 87th-minute finish, completing a heroic turnaround to win the tie 5-2 on aggregate.
Their next opponents, Jwaneng Galaxy, took a different but equally dramatic route — eliminating Mighty Wanderers of Malawi 7-6 on post-match penalties after the tie ended 1-1 on aggregate. What Galaxy may lack in attacking flair, they make up for with discipline, defensive organization, and mental resilience.
With Zesco’s attacking firepower now in full flight and Galaxy’s grit on display, the upcoming fixture promises to be a true tactical chess match. Will Zega Mambo continue their continental march, or will Galaxy prove to be another penalty-hardened hurdle?
Either way — sparks will fly.
