Zesco United Coach Numba Mumamba is feeling the pressure following back-to-back first-round exits in Africa following Saturday’s exit from the 2022/2023 CAF Confederation Cup.
Debutants Royal AM of South Africa eliminated Zambia’s seasoned continental group stage campaigners after a 1-1 draw at Levy Mwanawasa in Ndola.
Zesco bowed out while Royal AM progressed to next month’s CAF Confederation Cup pre-group stage on away goals rule after a 1-1 aggregate result.
It is the second straight season that Zesco has tumbled on the first hurdle after Royal Leopards of Eswatini ejected from the 2021/2022 CAF Champions League preliminary stage.
TROPHYLESS
Furthermore, Zesco finished trophyless last season when they relinquished the Zambian league title to Red Arrows in a campaign they finished second.
Zesco’s start to the 2022/2023 season has been erratic, winning two, drawing three and losing one game with four goals in six domestic matches.
“I think we have to accept the fact that we haven’t progressed in this competition in back-to-back outings. As a coach, I have to take responsibility when the team fails to perform,” Numba said.
“Coming to my job, I am one person who does have any pressure. I am here to work. They are so many coaches that have passed here before.
“All I am here to do is do my best so that the team can bring out the desired results.”
Saturday’s clash against Royal AM was settled in the first half, in which Zesco made a promising start.
The outstanding Zakahle Ngcobo had a busy opening 30 minutes and kept out three chances, but Zesco finally managed to breach him in the 31st minute when Collins Sikombe fired in a long-range shot.
Mxolisi Macuphu almost levelled in the 41st minute, but his point-blank range shot rolled inches wide of the far post.
But Royal AM equalised in the 58th minute with a free kick after Zesco goalkeeper Ian Otieno’s elementary mistake when he collected Samson Mkandawire’s back-pass.
THE DECIDER
Ruzaigh Gamildien, who came on at the start of the second half set-up to convert it to score what would eventually be the decider.
Numba said he could not crucify Otieno but again took full responsibility for Zesco’s exit for a second year running.
“We did well the entire game, but I think we lost because of the mistake we made after our goalkeeper was given a back-pass because I don’t think there was any pressure. I think that is a ball he could have just cleared or controlled,” Numba said.
“Unfortunately, he thought it wasn’t a back-pass, but we cannot blame the goalkeeper; we have to accept that we didn’t create so many chances in this game.
“I think we fought for the goal that we scored, but we easily gave away the equaliser that made them qualify for the next round.”
