Zesco United made a good start to their 2017 CAF Confederation Cup Group C campaign after they beat Smouha SC of Egypt 1-0 at home at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

It was a tough match but Zesco were the better side in attack but guilty of poor finishing.

Striker Idris Mbombo was denied twice in the 17th and 19th minutes by Smouha goalkeeper Mohamed Gabaski while Dave Daka fired a sure chance inches wide in the 43rd minute.

Zesco broke the deadlock in the 72nd minute via a Jesse Were penalty.

Zesco won the penalty after Smouha defender Patrick Malo handled John Chingandu’s shot.

Meanwhile, defender Fackson Kapumbu could have added a second goal but sent his 81st minute shot inches wide of the near post.

Zesco have now taken the overnight lead of Group C on 3 points while Smouha are bottom on zero points ahead of Sunday’s match between CRD Libolo of Angola who will host Sudanese club Al Hilal Obeid in Calulo.