Green Buffaloes on Saturday denied ten-man Zesco an opportunity for some Barclays Cup revenge when they held their hosts at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zesco squandered a 1-0 halftime lead to finish 1-1 with Buffaloes ten months after the army side beat the former 1-0 in the 2015 Barclays Cup semifinals to deny them a league and cup double.
Meanwhile, Zesco took the lead in the 20th minute through Jackson Mwanza.
Buffaloes then wasted a great chance to equalize in the 63rd minute when Christopher Katongo saw his penalty kick come off the post before his rebound was disallowed for offside.
Zesco were later reduced to ten men in the 75th minute when Kenya international midfielder Tony Agay was red carded for retaliating after he was tackled by Mumbi Mweene.
Redemption for Buffaloes came in the 82nd minute when Brian Mwila headed-in Allan Mukuka’s cross to see the two sides’ share the spoils.
Zesco moved slightly to 32 points, one more than third placed Nkana and three ahead of fourth positioned Buffaloes.
The defending FAZ Super Division champions are now just eight points behind leaders Zanaco from 15 and 17 games played respectively.
However, Zesco could move within five points of Zanaco this Tuesday if they can beat Mufulira Wanderers in a rescheduled Week 16 match at the same venue.
