CAF CC: Zesco United held by 10 man Al Hilal

Zesco United were held at home by Al Hilal Omdurman when they played to a 1 – 1 draw despite the visitors playing the whole second half with 10 men after Idriss Mbombo was sent off just before half time.

It was a disappointing result for the Zambian champions who have now gone two games without a win after losing 2 – 1 away against Asante Kotoko in Ghana.

It was a poor showing by the George Lwandamina side as they failed to break down the Hilal defense despite the numerical advantage and enjoying lots of possession.

The home side dominated play from the start and were making in-roads into the opposition half but rarely troubling the opposition goalkeeper.

Zesco looked like they would have it easy in the second half when Idriss Mbombo was sent off in the 45th minute for dissent but the lacklustre approach continued after the restart.

They had to come from behind after Omer had given the visitors the lead in the 66th minute when Lazarous Kambole was picked by Jackson Were in the box to control and shoot home for the equalizer in the 72nd minute.

Zesco looked the more likely to score the winner as the Sudanese side sat back but they did enough to see off the game and earn a vital away point.

The results of the day see Nkana end the round of matches on top of Group C with 6 points, Al Hilal second but with the same points (4) as third placed Zesco United. Asante Kotoko are bottom of the log on 3 points.

Zesco United XI v Al Hilal

Jacob Banda (GK) – Simon Silwimba, Clement Mwape, David Odhiambo, Mwila Phiri, Anthony Akumu, Enock Sabamukamu (Maybin Kalengo), Jesse Jackson Were (Winstone Kalengo), John Ching’andu, Lazarous Kambole, Quadri Aladeokun