Kaizer Chiefs started well and while they faded towards the end, a lack of finishing quality from hosts Zesco was the theme of the afternoon.
The travelling AmaKhosi contingent were celebrating very early as Chiefs opened their account in the first 120 seconds. Zesco failed to deal with a curling corner and forward Flavio de Silva’s header came off the upright and Pule Mmodi pounced to right-foot the ball into the back of the net from close range.
Kaizer Chiefs had a golden opportunity to double the lead on the 25-minute mark that was thwarted by brilliant defence. Mfundo Vilakazi provided a superb throughball that put da Silva away, but a huge tackle from Zesco defender Kabaso Chongo denied him.
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There were some encouraging signs from the home side towards the end of the half and they earned some speculative shots at goal, but Chiefs’ gloveman Brandon Petersen watched them all sail way off target.
In the second stanza, Chiefs were close when a free kick was whipped in and replacement Makabi Lilepo got a free header, but it sailed over the crossbar.
Zesco had their best chance of the match in the 58th minute when the dangerous Amine Hiver showed dazzling footwork to put himself in space to unleash a powerful strike and while it forced a full-length effort from Petersen, again it was off target.
There was late drama when Zesco’s Emmanuel Manda was put into space, but goalkeeper Petersen was wise to the threat and lunged to gather the ball off Manda’s toes, only for the midfielder to take another swipe and narrowly miss Petersen’s head. He was booked for the outburst.