Zesco United's progress in the CAF African Champions League could mean two more places for Zambi

If Zesco United make it to the group stage this year it could mean two more places for Zambia depending on how Zesco United fare in the Group. Zambia has yet to have four clubs in CAF Competitions. The closest Zambia has come was in 2012 where Zambia, Ivory Coast and Angola were tied on points but CAF opted for Ivory Coast though the criteria was never explained.

Since then only, Nkana FC has made it to the group stage reaching the Confederations Cup group stage in 2014 and finishing third. Had Nkana made it to the semi-finals Zambia would have had two more teams by 2016. Now Zesco United may earn some points if they reach the last four.

Currently Zambia has 3 points only and the closest countries that Zambia can surpass are Congo on 16 points, Ivory Coast on 16 points, Mali on 15 points, Cameroon on 12 points and Morocco on 11 points. Going into 2017 Zambia is tied in 12th position with Angola, Libya and Nigeria.

The top 12 countries have four countries each. If Zesco make it into the semi finals that will mean Zambia will earn 15 points which will make it 18 points adding to the 3 points Zambia already has. Zambia will automatically surpass Cameroon who do not have any more clubs remaining and so they can't get more than 12 points they already have.

If Zesco finish in third place which will mean Zambia will earn 10 points plus 3 which makes it 13 points and will still surpass Cameroon who are on 12 points and have no more clubs in the competition. If Zesco finishes last in the group that means Zambia will only earn 5 points plus the 3 points it has which means that will make it 8 points.

This will put Zambia in a tricky situation as there is a club from Libya and Enyimba who are also on the verge of qualifying for the group stages this year. Zambia, Nigeria and Libya all have 3 points each. If Libyan and Nigerian clubs finish above Zesco then Zambia won't be able to get four places in 2018. But if Zanaco also qualify for the group stage and end in 3rd and fourth place this will earn Zambia another 5 points taking it to 13 points and Zambia will gain a place as it will surpass Cameroon which will remain stuck on 12 Points.