TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup: Zesco cruise past Canon 105 to reach next round

Zambia’s Zesco United produced a commanding performance in Ndola on Sunday, defeating Gabon’s Canon 105 Libreville 5-0 in the second leg of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Preliminary Round to progress 5-2 on aggregate.

Having trailed 2-0 from the first leg, the Zambian giants knew they needed a fast start—and they delivered. Within the opening six minutes, the home side had turned the tie on its head. David Simukonda struck first in the 4th minute, before skipper Kabaso Chongo doubled the lead two minutes later to send the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium into raptures.

Zesco’s dominance continued as Alex Ngonga added a third in the 40th minute, ensuring the Zambians went into the break with one foot firmly in the next round.

In the second half, the hosts maintained control and extended their advantage from the penalty spot in the 64th minute through Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba.

Substitute Amine Haiver completed the rout with an 87th-minute strike to seal a memorable 5-0 victory.

With the aggregate score standing at 5-2, Zesco United advance to the next round, where they will face Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana. Galaxy booked their place after overcoming Malawi’s Mighty Wanderers in a dramatic penalty shootout on Saturday.

The tie promises to be a fascinating encounter, with Zesco bringing their experience and Galaxy looking to continue their upward trajectory in continental football.