Gambian champions Armed Forces FC will begin their champions league campaign in faraway Zambia after yesterday’s draw pit them against Zanaco FC of Lusaka.
Zanaco was formed in 1978 as a social team by management trainees of Zambia National Commercial Bank. The team was launched at LOTUS INN in Lusaka. Starting from the 1980s Zanaco started growing steadily from a mere social club to becoming one of the most successful and decorated clubs in Zambian football history. Over the years the Sunset Stadium-based team has won 7 Super League trophies, 4 Charity Shields, 1 Coca-Cola Cup, 1 Mosi Cup and 3 BP Cups. Zanaco are the only team outside of Zambia’s Copperbelt Province to have not only won but also defended the Super League Trophy!The 16 winners of the second round ties will advance to the group stage of the tournament.
The 2018 Champions League will begin on the weekend of 9-11 February with the two-leg final set for November.
A change in the calendar for the Confederation of African Football means that the next Champions League will begin in December 2018 and run through to May 2019.
After the 2019 final, the competition will be held from August or September through to May of the next year.
Meanwhile, Hawks FC the Gambias candidate in the Confederations cup will play Akwa United of Nigeria in the preliminary round.
