Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Zesco United’s stay at the top of Group A in the 2016 Caf Champions League will be tested by Wydad Casablanca away in Rabat on Wednesday night in Rabat.
The Zambian club leads Group A on three points following their 3-2 home win over Egyptian giants and record eight-time African champions Al Ahly, on June 18 in Ndola and they will be attempting a back-to-back double over North African opposition in a space of a fortnight.
Wydad too have three points but are second on goal difference following their 1-0 away win over ASEC Mimosa of Cote d’Ivoire on the same date.
However, Wydad are unbeaten at home in continental cup action since 2003 where they lost 1-0 to Etoile du Sahel in the defunct Caf Cup Winners Cup semi-finals to see the Tunisians advance 3-0 on aggregate.
Zesco coach George Lwandamina said he wasn’t expecting an easy match from the side that eliminated 2015 Champions League holders TP Mazembe in April at the pre-group stage.
“We have three points it will be a tough match playing away from home but we have done our homework,” Lwandamina said.
Zesco will continue to be without striker Idris Mbombo who is their joint top scorer on four goals and missed the Al Ahly game due to a back injury.
Midfielder Cletus Chama, also on four goals and who scored a brace against Al Ahly, is available together with striker Jesse Were and defender Ben Banh who both return from one match suspensions.
Meanwhile, the 1992 champions Wydad are expected to be at full strength with Coach John Toshack counting on Algeria junior international striker Rada Hajhouj to get the three points at home against Zesco.
Hajhouj has six goals in this year’s Champions League including one each in their 1-1 away draw and 2-0 home wins over Mazembe in the knockout stage.