Zanaco out

By GRACE CHAILE LESOETSA
ZANACO’S dream of an historic CAF Confederation Cup semi-final qualification was yesterday shattered as the bankers fail to overturn the 3-0 deficit at the Cairo based 30 June Stadium in Egypt.
The bankers beat hosts Pyramids 1-0 to exit the competition on a 3-1 aggregate.
Striker Roger Kola scored the goal bringing his tally to seven goals in the competition.
Zanaco were Zambians only hope for a continental title after Zesco, Green Eagles and Buildcon got eliminated from the race.
Coach Chris Kaunda looked to the heavens for a miracle in the land of the Pharaohs, but it never was as the Pyramids stood firm to block their wish.
Kaunda admitted that Zanaco got eliminated immediately they lost at National Heroes Stadium in the first leg.
He said the congested local league games cost them because the players were fatigued during the first leg match.
“The players were just recovering from fatigue. We have five local fixtures behind us and we have been playing midweek and weekend.
“A better team is out of the competition because I used players who were not fit that day in Lusaka. The mistake we made in Lusaka has cost us the semi-finals,” he said.
Kaunda said the team would now focus on challenging for the league title and qualification to the 2020/2021 Inter-Club Competition.
He said the players had picked vital lessons from the race which he will use to win the league.
Chitiya Mususu long range shot in injury time was saved while Romaric Pitroipa shot wide on close range.
Meanwhile, in the local league, champions Zesco United were held 1-1 at home by Green Buffaloes.
Zesco scored first through Jesse Were before Martin Phiri levelled matters in second half.
The champions remain a point outside the continental places in fifth position. They are four points behind leaders Forest Rangers.