Zambian champions, Nkana reignited their hopes with a 4-3 win over Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia in their Group B clash on Saturday in Kitwe.
The Southern Africans, who lost by a similar scoreline in the reverse fixture in Sousse last month held into victory in the thrilling encounter and boost their chances in the second-tier continental club championship.
The result marks a good start for new coach Beston Chambeshi, who was confirmed few days to the encounter, as replacement for Massauso Mwale, who died in a road accident last May.
The Zambians had to wait till their fourth game to grab their first win at the group stage, and it came timely as it lifted them from the depth of the standings of Group B in the interim, pending the outcome of the Al-Ahly (Egypt) – Sewe Sport (Cote d’Ivoire) later in the day in Cairo.
Interestingly, it was the visitors who scored first after four minutes through Youssef Mouihbi from the spot, after Christopher Munthali fouled Lasaad Jaziri in the vita area.
The lead lasted for only six minutes before Ronald Kampamba drew parity with an acute angled shot that beat Etoile goalie Aymen Mathlouti from a Masauso Zimba pass.
The hosts took control and deservingly went up on 27 minutes through Festus Mbewe from a goalmouth action.
On the half-hour mark, Sofiane Moussa made it two-all after finishing off a brilliant move. Moussa profited from a through pass from Jaziri, controlled with his right foot, beat his marker before firing with left past Nkana goalie Rabson Muchelenganga.
Nkana restored their lead three minutes from recess through Simon Bwalya who headed from a Kelvin Mubanga cross past Mathlouti.
On 56 minutes, Munthali took the game beyond the visitors by connecting from a rebound after Mbewe’s header from a well taken free-kick hit the post.
The Tunisians reduced the deficit through Mouihbi from the spot in the dying stages but it was little enough to stand between Nkana and the first victory at this stage.
The Zambians will next play Egyptian giants, Ahly at home on the weekend of 8-10 August 2014.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) News
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