Zesco United qualified to the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup group stage after a 3-0 home win over Enugu Rangers of Nigeria on saturday evening at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Striker John Chingandu was the hero on the day when he scored a brace, his second for Zesco in a fortnight after inspiring the side to a 2-0 victory over Nkana in the 2017 Charity Shield final at the same venue on April 2.

Zesco’s victory sees them through to May’s group stage 5-2 on aggregate following a 2-2 first leg draw on April 9 in Enugu.

Meanwhile, Rangers jumped straight off the plane and onto the field at Levy Stadium and landing in Ndola just three hours before kickoff.

Rangers came late due to a player boycott on Thursday at Enugu Airport over unpaid dues dating back two months.

The Nigerians however started off brightly and tried very hard to mask the jet-lag before running out of gas as the first half came to a close.

Chingandu struck twice during that period with goals in the 26th and 38th minutes.

Kenyan international Jesse Were put the result beyond doubt with a cheeky shot in the 62nd minute that startled Rangers goalkeeper Nana Bonsu.

Zesco will know their group stage opponents next week when the draws are made on April 26 in Cairo.