Zanaco captain Ziyo Tembo has declared that they are ready for record 8-time African champions Al Ahly of Egypt.
Al Ahly hosts Zanaco in a 2017 CAF Champions Group D opener in a 19h00 kickoff in Alexandria.
Zanaco will be Al Ahly’s second Zambian opponent in successive seasons after they lost 3-2 away and drew 2-2 at home against Zesco United in Group A of the 2016 CAF Champions League.
“There is no need to fear them. They are a good side with a lot of experience and we respect them,” Ziyo said.
“We will do a huge disservice if we fear then even before we face them.
“They will field 11 players on the pitch and we are going to to have the same number of players. So there is no need to fear them.”
Zanaco have no injury or suspension worries but will be missing midfielder Boyd Musonda and goalkeeper Mangani Banda who are both away on Zambia U20 duty preparing for the 2017 FIFA U20 World Cup that South Korea will host from May 20 to June 11.
The match will also mark the debut of striker Felix Nyaende who joined Zanaco in April from Forest Rangers.
And this will be the two sides debut meeting although Zanaco have previously played two Egyptian opposition.
Zanaco drew 0-0 and lost 1-0 away to Ismailia in the knockout round of the 2003 Champions League.
Zanaco also drew 1-1 home and away with Haras el-Hadood in the group stage of the 2010 CAF Confederation Cup.
Meanwhile, CotonSport of Cameroon and Wydad Casablanca from Morocco are the other teams in Group D.
Wydad will visit Zanaco on match-day-two in Lusaka on May 24.
Mangani Banda is always on bench even he was around he was not going to be featured.
Mangani Banda is always on bench if even he was around he was not going to be featured.
Ba LT, what does ZESCO picture to do with ZANACO? Are they the same club?