Zesco brace for Al Ahly

Zesco United coach George Lwandamina says there is nothing to fear about Al Ahly.

Zesco host the record eight-time African champions in Ndola this Saturday in a 2016 CAF Champions League Group A opener.

The match will be the two sides first since clashing in the 2011 edition of competition.

Zesco held Al Ahly 0-0 in Ndola but lost 1-0 away in Cairo at the last 16 stage to see the Egyptian gianst advance go the group stage.

“At sometime they were like Zesco. No one started as champions. Everyone starts from somewhere,” Lwandamina said.

“So if we say they are champions and we quit, then there won’t be any football. We have to work as well and we don’t have limitations. They started from somewhere and Zesco is starting from somewhere.”

Meanwhile, Zesco’s quest for a first-ever win over Al Ahly has been hit with three key players unavailable for the match.

Top scorer Jesse Were who has ten league goals and two in the Champions League is suspended after accruing two yellow cards in the knockout round.

Defender Ben Banh who scored Zescvo’s goal in last Sunday’s 1-0 away FAZ Super Division win over Nkana is also suspended.

Another blow is the absence of striker Idris Mbombo is Zesco’s top scorer in the Champions League on four goals.

Mbombo will miss the match with a back problem.

It is an opportunity for other players. If one is not there, then others are there to take up the challenge and make sure the team does not suffer,” Lwandamina said.

“It will depend on those that will be selected to play.”