Zanaco Qualify For CAF Confed Cup Group Stage But Arrows Fall Short

Zanaco F.C. are through to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage, but the Red Arrows have been eliminated.

Playing at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, the Arrows did manage to beat Simba SC of Tanzania in their second leg, pre-group stage match.

 In a credible performance from the Airmen, Ricky Banda and Saddam Phiri scored two quick-fire goals, in the 44thand 47th minutes respectively.

Unfortunately, Hassan Dilunga’s 66th minute strike for Simba meant the Arrows still trailed on aggregate, and were unable to overcome this deficit.

The Arrows exit 3-2 on aggregate. 

In the capital of Mali, Bamaka, meanwhile, Zanaco actually lost their final pre-group stage match against Malian giants Binga F.C.

Youssouf Diallo put Binga ahead in the 81st minute. Then the hosts won a penalty in stoppage time that was coolly dispatched by Youssouf Coulibaly. 

Fortunately for Zanaco, their 3-0 home victory in the first leg was still enough to see them through them through the tie to the group stages, 3-2 on aggregate.

This makes Zanaco Zambia’s only Confederation Cup group stage representatives this season, after Arrows joined Zesco United and Kabwe Warriors in exiting this year’s competition.