Nkana coach Beston Chambeshi believes they can hold their own in the 2018 CAF Champions League if they clinch a final top two finish.

Nkana beat Mufulira Wanderers 2-1 away on Saturday to seal their 2018 continental qualification.

First and second will play in the CAF Champions League while 3rd and 4th will compete in the CAF Confederation Cup after Zambia were granted two more continental slots by CAF after accruing qualification points into the top 12 best performing nations over the last three years.

However, whether Nkana will play in the CAF Champions League or Confederation Cup will be determined in next weekend’s final round of matches.

“It is up to our players to decide, they have good technical stuff, good management and good sponsors I don’t think a player who wants to play at a high level can ditch Nkana now,” Chambeshi said.

“All I can tell them is that we have a strong team and they can compete favourably in the Champions League.”

The Kitwe giants have not played continental football since 2014 when they made their long-awaited group stage debut in the CAF Confederation Cup.

Meanwhile Nkana ‘s win over Wanderers saw them go 2nd for at least 24 hours ahead of leaders Zesco United, 2nd placed Zanaco and 3rd positioned Green Buffaloes matches on Sunday against Green Eagles away, Buildcon away and Red Arrows at home respectively.

Zesco have 70 points, Nkana have 68 while Zanaco and Buffaloes are tied at 67 points before their Sunday fixtures.