By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@KaizerChiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Zesco United in Ndola on Sunday afternoon in the group stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Chiefs made three changes to the starting line-up that narrowly beat Golden Arrows in the domestic league, their first game of the year, at FNB Stadium midweek.
Amakhosi will be confident of completing a double over Zesco and keeping their knockout stage hopes alive when the teams meet in the return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on Sunday.
The Soweto giants broke the deadlock as early as the second minute when Pule Mmodi tapped in a rebound from Flavio Silva’s headed effort that had hit the woodwork from a corner kick delivered by Lebohang Maboe.
Chiefs continued to apply pressure before the interval, prompting the hosts to make two changes five minutes before half-time. Chiefs made two further changes at the break, with Thabiso Monyane and Glody Lilepo replacing Dillan Solomons and Khanyisa Mayo.
The Zambian side were awarded numerous set-piece inside the Chiefs half. However, the PSL giants worked hard to preserve their lead as the clock hit the 85th minute mark.
Chiefs have now moved level on points (4) with Zamalek after three matches played in the tournament, with the latter set to take on Al Masry on Sunday night.
Chiefs XI: Petersen (1), McCarthy (35), Miguel (14), Kwinika (4), Solomons (18), Maboe (6), Ndlovu (8), Mmodi (13), Vilakazi (28), Mayo (3), Da Silva (32)
Zesco XI: Sakauta (40), Chepeshi (30), Chongo © (5), Kampamba © (7), Hiver (9), Siankombo (17), Ganter (18), Chabala (26), Mulenga (19), Musukuma (28), Chilongoshi (39).