Zesco United went top of Group C on day one of the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup league round on Saturday.
This is after they beat Smouha SC of Egypt 1-0 at home at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Zesco were the better side in the match but found Smouha goalkeeper Mohamed Gabaski inspired in the first half when he denied Idris Mbombo twice in the 18th and 19th minutes.
Dave Daka also had a go but sent his 43rd minute shot wide.
The breakthrough came via a 72nd minute penalty converted by Jesse Were off a hand ball by Patrick Malo as he attempted to deal with John Chingandu’s shot.
Smouha then survived in the 81st minute when Fackson Kapumbu sent his shot inches wide of the near post.
Zesco go top on 3 points while Smouha are bottom on zero points.
CRD Libolo and Sudanese club Al Hilal Obeid only play on Sunday in Angola to determine who will lead on match-day one in Group C.
Dzikomo kwambiri ba ZESCO FC. Congratulations Keep it up
I can’t call that “promising start ” as ZESCO got their lucky penalty against the run of play
Congrats boys, but you can do better than 1-0 at home.