It was a disappointing afternoon out in Zambia for Kaizer Chiefs, who lost 3-1 to ZESCO United in the first leg of their CAF Confederations Cup tie  at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Sunday.

It was just after the halfway mark of the first half when the Glamour Boys found themselves behind as Lazarous Kambole ran into a Rahim Ousumanu pass turning the ball into the net for the opener.

It soon went from bad to worse for the visitors, as Teenage Hadebe fouled Jesse Were inside the box, awarding the home side a penalty which was converted by the same man to put ZESCO two ahead within a half hour of play.

Three minutes from the break, Khama Billiat pulled one back to send the teams to the tunnel 2-1 in favour of the hosts.

Kaizer Chiefs were the quickest off the blocks in the second half, with Leonardo Castro unleashing a powerful shot, which was deflected away by goalkeeper Joseph Banda for a corner.

The hosts responded in a decisive manner, with Were restoring the two-goal advantage. Kambole the provider this time around with a fine cross.

Despite their best effort to reduce the deficit and get themselves in a better position come the second leg, Chiefs could not quite deliver a telling blow, as the game ended with ZESCO in the driving seat in the tie.

The two sides next do battle on Friday, 18 January.