Coach of ZESCO United George Lwandamina has declared that they needed to protect their ‘integrity’ and ‘pride’ following their 2-1 win over Asante Kotoko in the final group match of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday.
ZESCO United were accused of planning to play soft in order to help the Ghanaian giants qualify at the expense of bitterest adversaries Nkana FC who were also in action against Al Hilal in Sudan.
The Zambian giants had nothing to play for following their elimination from the competition after losing 3-0 to rivals Nkana FC in the penultimate game in Kitwe last week.
Asante Kotoko needed to return to Ghana with maximum points to ensure their passage into the quarterfinals stage after blowing up the chance to do so following a 1-1 stalemate with Al Hilal in Kumasi last Sunday.
But the Porcupine Warriors hopes were dashed after Jesse Were and Kondwani Mtonga capitalized on defensive mishaps to win the match for ZESCO after Stephen Nyarko had handed the Ghanaians the advantage in the first half.
Speaking to the press, coach Lwandamina clarified that his outfit won the match to make a statement to their accusers.
“They wanted it more like their coach said but we also needed to win to protect our pride and intergrity that’s why we gave them good run for their money.
“Both sides showed character, it was a cagey match but unfortunately both teams are out of the competition.”
ZESCO and Kotoko exited the competition with seven points apiece.