Nkana have successfully joined Zesco United in the group stage of the 2018/2019 CAF Confederation Cup.

Nkana on Sunday held on to a 0-0 away draw in Abidjan against San Pedro to qualify 3-0 on aggregate.

The result sees Nkana and Zesco redeem themselves following December’s pre-group stage elimination from the CAF Champions League as Zambia faced the prospect of limited international football in 2019.

Zesco qualified 24 hours earlier when they beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 away in South Africa to advance to the group stage 5-2 on aggregate.

But it was a hell-rising ride in Cote d’Ivoire for Nkana who were very fortunate, especially in the first half, after starting with a defensive formation that saw influential strikers Ronald Kampamba and Walter Bwalya benched for the opening 70 minutes of the game.

Franck Zouzou saw his 24th goal disallowed while Djeni Gnanzou fired his 37th penalty high and over.

Nkana striker Festus Mbewe then brought the best out of San Pedro goalkeeper Tape Ira twice after the hour mark before he made way for Walter Bwalya in the 70th minute.

Meanwhile, Nkana make their first return to continental group stage action since 2014 when they finished third in Group B of the CAF Confederation Cup when they also made their debut league round qualification.

Nkana and Zesco will know their group stage fate on Monday, January 21 when the draws are made in Cairo for the league phase that kicks off on February 1.