Zesco United coach Zlatko Krmpotic says semifinal qualification is now in their hands after holding hosts SuperSport United to an away draw on Friday in Pretoria.

Zesco held their South African opponents to a 0-0 draw in a 2017 Caf Confederation Cup quarterfinal first leg match.

“It was a tough game and we played tactically well.I think we have a good chance but we must be careful, SuperSport play better away,”Krmpotic said.

And SuperSport coach and ex Bafana Bafana midfielder Eric Tinkler believes they can still upset Zesco in Ndola next week but slammed the poor officiating that saw both sides goals disallowed in a game of two halves.

“Our objective at home has been achieved. We have kept a clean sheet but they have no choice at home but to open up and that will play straight into our strength,” Tinkler said.

Zesco were first to be denied a goal when Maybin Kalengo’s 11th minute effort was ruled out for offside.
Two minutes later Bruce Grobler slipped the ball through Zesco goalkeeper Jacob Bandas legs but the goal was erased for a handball that never was on the replay in a half the home side dominated.

Zesco were the better side after the break but Kalengo fired high and over in the 48th minute while John Chingandu’s 78th minute free kick was palmed out by Rowan Williams.

Now Zesco must beat SuperSport on September 23 in Ndola to advance to the semifinals whose first leg is set for September 30.