Zesco’s Numba insists poor start won’t affect CAF campaign

Royal AM’s prospective second-stage suitors in the CAF Confederation Cup Zesco United coach Mumamba Numba believes the poor start to their domestic season does not indicate what to expect in continental action.

The nine-time Zambian league winners on Saturdays lost 1-0 at home to defending champions Red Arrows in an early litmus test for both sides after just two rounds of matches played in the 2022/23 season.

Saturday’s result left Zesco still winless on 1 point and hovering two places above the bottom four relegation zone at number 13.

At the same time, Arrows are 7th on 4 points, two points behind leaders Power Dynamos.

“Of course, we are very much ready for the continental games. As you have seen, we have assembled quite a good team, and I think we are unfortunate to have lost, but this is part of the game,” Numba said.

“Our job is to encourage the team. We know that we will perform better in the CAF games.”

But Arrows dominated Zesco, who looked blunt in attack and were second best in midfield.

Chipolopolo midfielder Saddam Yusuf scored the game’s only goal in the 38th minute with a booming shot from the edge of the area.

The result also extended Arrows’ domination over Zesco to four consecutive meetings with three league wins and one in a pre-season friendly on August 1 that the former won 3-0.

“I don’t think it has given them an edge over us. We still have 32 games to go,” Numba insisted.

“It is a marathon. All we need to do is work hard and win our games.”

Zesco, who are on bye in the CAF Confederation Cup, now have five games left to find some rhythm before meeting either Royal AM or Eswatini club Highlanders in the second round during the weekend of October 7-9.