Zesco United scored two crucial away goals in the first-leg of their Caf Confederation Cup play-off with Enugu Rangers but were forced to settle for a 2-2 draw in a hectic contest at the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium, Enugu.
Imama Amapakabo’s team came into yesterday’s encounter following a poor run of form that kept them at the base of the Nigeria Professional Football League log.
And the reigning Nigerian champions looked likely to buck their poor showing when they took the lead through Osas Okoro’s 24th minute penalty.
The Flying Antelopes built on the lively opening but were doomed following their inability to convert begging chances as they took a slim lead to the half time break. In the 46th minute, Okoro doubled his side’s lead.
Enugu Rangers’ celebrations were short-lived though as Zesco United, on their first meaningful venture forward, pulled one back through Kenya international David Owino in the 71st minute.
The comeback was complete when Patrick Konogolo scored five minutes after as the football cathedral became very quiet.
Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola hosts the second leg with Rangers needing a win to qualify for the group stage of the Caf Confederations Cup.
Meanwhile, Lagos-based NPFL side MFM have returned to the summit if the Nigeria Professional Football League after a 3-0 thrashing of visiting El-Kanemi Warriors at the Agege Stadium yesterday.
It was a great relief to the Lagos soccer lords, who suffered a 4-0 defeat to Nasarawa United in their last match.
The match which was played at the Agege Stadium, saw Ogunye Austin scored in the 19 minutes after a one on one encounter with El-Kanemi Warriors goal keeper, and six minutes later, Olatunbosun Sikiru tipped the ball over the keeper to double the lead.
Current league top goalscorer Stephen Odey registered his 14th goal of the season via spot kick three minutes to the end of the first half.
Odey was the cynosure of all eyes including the Super Eagles gaffer Gernot Rohr who was among the spectators.
Meanwhile Super Eagle coach, Rohr said he was elated over the performance of the players at the domestic league.
“I was happy to see the game today, MFM was realistic, they already won the match in the first half,” Rohr said.
Rohr however said it’s a herculean task to infuse new legs to the existing squad, but assured that the gate is open for home based players to play in the CHAN tournament.
“It is not easy to change winning team, it is a big risk. I have seen some players perhaps which can come in,” he concluded.
In other matches, Rivers United as they beat Abia Warriors 1-0 in a fiercely-fought tie in Port Harcourt, Wikki Tourists also pummeled Gombe United 3-1, while Rivers United were 1-0 better than Abia Warriors, the same result achieved by ABS over Nasarawa United.
In Kano, hosts Kano Pillars suffered their first home loss this year as visiting Akwa United won 1-0 at the Sani Abacha Stadium. Shooting Stars defeated Niger Tornadoes 2-1 in Ibadan, Sunshine also won 1-0 over Remo Stars, while the match between Lobi Stars and FC Ifeanyi Ubah at the Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi ended goalless.
