Tenant Chilumba, ZESCO United’s assistant coach, says the team is looking to put some distance between themselves and third-placed FC MUZA in the race for the CAF Confederation Cup spot.

After 30 games, the Ndola side has 52 points, three more than third-placed FC MUZA.

With Red Arrows in the lead and needing only one point to win the league, ZESCO United, MUZA, and Power Dynamos have a chance to finish second and represent Zambia in the CAF Confederation Cup next season.

Speaking ahead of Wednesday’s clash against MUZA, Chilumba said that the team is now focused on clinching second place after missing out on the Absa Cup title.

“It is a CAF battle, but of course the Absa Cup is gone. We are still waiting for the top two,” Chilumba said. “This is our main objective now, so we are very focused. We just want to finish in the top two.”

With Zesco United winless in their last five league matches, Chilumba has conceded the title chase is over, as Red Arrows only need a point to seal off the season and claim their third Super League title.

“We can only congratulate Red Arrows, but hope is still there. We can finish in the top two and play in the Confederation [Cup]. Well, we are trying to get back to our winning ways. The break has given us time to work on the mistakes. I’m sure we will start getting maximum points,” he said.

In the reverse match played on December 2, against FC MUZA, ZESCO United won 3-1 at Nakambala Stadium in Mazabuka.

A draw in Wednesday’s match at Levy Mwanawasa and a win for Power Dynamos over Forest Rangers will open up the race to second place in the remaining three games.