Zesco United made a bright start to their 2017 FAZ Super Division campaign today after beating promoted Konkola Blades 2-0 in their rescheduled Week 1 match played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The victory also handed new Zesco coach Zlatko Krmpotic his first league win after making his domestic debut with victory in the 2017 Charity Shield final following a 2-0 win over Nkana in the final played at the same venue on April 2.
Today’s win also saw Zesco stay unbeaten this year from seven matches, recording five wins and two draws.
Meanwhile, goals from strikers Lazarus Kambole and Idris Mbombo handed Zesco their opening 3 points of the season.
Kambole put Zesco ahead in the 45th minute with header off a cross from defender Fackson Kapumbu after the homeside toiled against a defensive Blades.
And Kambole scored just five minutes after coming on for midfielder Mwape Mwelwa.
Zesco were then denied a second goal in the 71st minute from the penalty spot after Mbombo was brought down in the box by Blades’ defender Bob Chansa.
Striker Jesse Were stepped-up to take the spot-kick that was parried by Blades goalkeeper Reagan Simango.
However, Mbombo made no mistake in the 74th minute when he headed-in the final goal to also end his drought for the 2017 campaign after five goalless matches.
And the defeat for Blades was their first this season after started their campaign with a 1-0 home win over Green Buffaloes on April 15 in Chililabombwe.
Zesco return to action this Saturday when they host Nchanga Rangers in a Week 3 match at Levy.
