An astonishing CAF African Champions League victory for Zesco United is best summed up in two particular aspects of Clatous's performance. His second-half goals were two of Zesco United's many attempts on target, while it was the same technically gifted attacking midfielder who celebrated his birthday in such style, his two goals typifying the work ethic of an ageing team that simply refuses to let a dream die.
A team that so wants one last crack at the African Cup before George Lwandamina breaks them up in search of younger, fresher footballers. Lwandamina did say Al Ahly do not enjoying playing Zesco United but the language might be a bit stronger after this. They must hate it, their frustration illustrated at the sound of the final whistle by the Al Ahly midfielder launching the match ball high into the Ndola sky.
It was not what Al Ahly would call football. It was not even what Al Ahly so dismissively referred to as the chipante pante tactics. It was more high risk than that, Zesco United allowing Al Ahly to have the ball in the latter 20 minutes and then take the punishment the toothless Egyptians would dish out in the hope of surviving long enough to get a chance of their own.
It was a strategy that demanded the highest levels of discipline and concentration, a test as mentally draining as it was physically. There were some extraordinary individual performances. Ayo Oluwafemi was immense, as were David Owino, Kondwani Mtonga and Anthony Akumu.
Lameck Nyangu produced a truly world-class save to deny Al Ahly. But they secured the advantage they now take to Wydad Casablanca in two weeks time as a collective brilliantly drilled by the remarkable George Lwandamina. Lwandamina came up with a plan many coaches would never have entertained, but it worked beautifully.
Zesco United stifled Al Ahly, smothering them with a five-man midfield that was deployed just ahead of Owino and his defensive colleagues and cleverly cutting off the usual supply lines to Al Ahly. In particular they focused on John Antwi, with Akumu and Oluwafemi combining brilliantly to reduce the threat posed by Al Ahly and leave them demoralised and disheartened.