A GOALLESS draw against Nkana Red Devils away in Zambia on Saturday saw defending Econet Premier League champions Bantu being kicked out of the 2019/20 CAF Champions League through a 1-0 aggregate score.

This, after A-Matšo-Matebele failed to collect maximum points when they went down 1-0 to the Zambians during the first leg of their clash at the Setsoto stadium on November 29.

Unlike in their first meeting, this time around, Bantu were determined to take the hosts head-on and were firing on all cylinders as they made several threatening attempts at their goals, frustrating their defence immensely.

But the visitors’ firepower was not enough to completely annihilate the Zambians’ defence line to eventually earn them a meaningful goal.

The Bob Mafoso charges adopted a defensive 5-4-1 formation, which put their lone South-African marksman Lazola Jokojokoane under unnecessary pressure, as he spent most of his time under heavy guard by four watchful Nkana defenders, who did not give him much of a breather.

Bantu often used their right wing for their onslaughts but there was no clear link between that wing and the front line to bear any fruits.

But their goal-minder Thabiso Lichaba saved the day when he warded off a dangerous shot that could have earned the Red Devils a winning goal.

A lead by Nkana’s Idris Mbombo in the 13th minute during the first leg clash in Maseru was enough to give the Zambians a slot in the next round of the African club championship.