Nkana's 43-year record will come under threat on Sunday when the twelve time Zambia Superleague Champions square off with Asante Kotoko in a CAF Confederation Cup group C encounter at Nkana Stadium.
For the first time in a decade, Kotoko have reached the group stage in the competition, however, they face a huge task against Nkana, who are hoping to make amends for their 2-0 loss to Power Dynamos at home in the Zambian Premier League.
The Porcupine Warriors are facing Nkana in the matchday three of the CAF Confederation Cup group c at the Nkana Stadium in Kitwe on this afternoon. Kotoko, however, have been in a good form in their last few matches in the Confederation Cup with a win, draw and a defeat in their last three away games.
Kotoko a week ago beat Zesco United 2-1 at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium to accumulate their first three points in the group stage having lost 1-0 in their group opener to Al Hilal in Sudan.
Nkana, on the other hand, are coming into this match on the back of a 2-1 win over Al Hilal in their second group c game in Kitwe last week having lost their first game 2-0 to local rivals, Zesco United in the group opener.
Nkana although will be hoping to count on their home invincibility for favorable results against the Porcupines.
TEAM NEWS:Â
Nkana FC
Nkana has been boosted by the return of Richard Ocran and Duncan Otieno who missed the win over Al Hilal due to suspension.
Striker Ronald Kampamba has also returned from injury and will most likely lead the attack with captain Walter Bwalya.
Congolese forward Fred Tshimenga and Richard Ocran penned a fresh contract on Wednesday and the duo are expected to be in coach Beston Chambeshi trusted eleven for the game.
Akonnor have opted to fall on the experience of Jordan Opoku whose involvement in the Confederation Cup so far has been in the early stages when they faced Kenya’s Kariobangi Sharks.
New signing Habib Mohammed will be making his full debut together with Umar Basiru game with Kotoko.
Kotoko starting XI: Annan, Frimpong (c), Habib, Agyemang-Badu, Ganiyu, Bonsu, Gyamfi, Basiru, Yacouba, Safiu, Baakoh
MATCH PREVIEW:Â
Nkana have not lost a single game in continental football at home in 43 years which is something Beston Chambeshi and his men will be out to protect.
Asante Kotoko are coming from a 2-1 home win over Zesco United and are motivated and more so that they stand in the face of history as they will become the first team to beat Nkana at Nkana Stadium in 43 years should Charles Akonnor and his men manage to beat the Kitwe giants.
Despite their good home record Kotoko are bad travelers having only managed to win two games away in 34 games losing 19 and drawing 11.
Obviously, Sunday's fixture could be of two halves as Kotoko will likely sit deep in the first half and try to sustain the attacks of Nkana before they open up for a priceless goal after the break to seal a win in the fixture.
The Porcupines have no choice but to win or get a point in this encounter if they have any ambitions of getting a chance to progress to the last eight in the competition.
The last encounter between the two sides ended in favor of the Kitwe Reds in 1993 courtesy a solitary goal.Â
TIME % TV CHANNELS
3:00 pm (Zambian Time) / 1:00pm (Ghana Time)Â
Â
Nkana vs Asante KotokoÂ
Venue : Nkana Stadium
Time: 15:00hrs