Zanaco moved to the summit of Group D on Saturday following a 2-1 home win over winless Coton Sport at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.
The Zambians move to seven points from three matches after picking up their second consecutive victory a fortnight after they beat 1992 winners, Wydad Athletic Club of Morocco at the same venue.
Goals from Saith Sakala and substitute Didi Kitumbo handed Zanaco temporary lead ahead of Sunday’s North African derby between Egyptian giants, Al Ahly and Wydad in Alexandria.
Zanaco pressured Coton Sport in the opening minutes as the Cameroonians struggled to settle and took the lead in the ninth minute when Sakala headed in Richard Kasonde's cross.
The homers could have added a second in the 19th minute but striker Felix Nyaende fired his shot narrowly off target.
Coton’s nerves settled in the 24th minute when they equalized through Moussa Souleymanou who headed in a floated ball from Jean Kombous.
The visitors, losing finalist in 2008, then found their groove but Kombou saw his 34th minute shot saved by Zanaco goalie, Toaster Nsabata.
Nsabata was again called to duty in the 41st minute when he parried Ronald Wanjas effort before the two sides headed into the break level.
The second half resumed on a high note with Coton Sport dictating proceedings, but were guilty of poor finishing.
Zanaco then punished their guests five minutes from time when Kitumbo headed in Sakala’s corner to ensure the Zambian champions stay unbeaten this term after seven matches.
The two sides meet in the immediate fixture during the midweek of June 20 in the northern Cameroonian city of Garoua.
