The Kenyan duo of Ian Otieno and Jesse Were will not lift the ABSA Cup in Zambia after Zesco United suffered a 4-3 defeat at the hands of Nchanga Rangers.The quarterfinal match staged at the Nkoloma Stadium was decided by the post-match penalties after a barren draw in regular time.Otieno, watched the proceedings from the substitutes bench as coach George Lwandamina preferred Zambian international Toaster Nsabata in between the sticks.##NAJAVA_MECA_8028139##It is not clear why Lwandamina dropped Otieno, who has been impressive both in the league and cup matches, from the starting eleven.While Otieno was involved, his compatriot Were, who had been hoping to land his third ABSA Cup with Zesco, wasn’t in the match-day squad.Former Zambian international Rainfold Kalaba fighting for life in ICU after accidentWere won the cup in 2016 and in 2019 where he was named the player of the tournament.Zesco who were bidding for their seventh tie watched two of their players fail to slot the ball past the Nchanga goalkeeper Victor Chabu.The custodian who had the captain’ armband resting on his left arm was named man of the match.He consequently walked home Ksh.76,576 richer courtesy of cup sponsors.Zambia based striker Jesse Were shares advice with upcoming playersHaving been eliminated from the cup, Zesco will turn focus to the remainder of the league matches.The Ndola-based club is ranked second with 50 points, seven behind log leaders Red Arrows after 27 rounds.
