Kenyan defender Owino scores as Zesco win 1-0 in Zambian League | Yenny Gonzalez reports from Cartag

Relieved Zesco United hold on to a 1-0 win against Forest Rangers to secure 3 points which move them up to 4th place, with 40 points, with 5 games in hand.

George Lwandamina's out-of-sorts team struggled to hit the target in the first half. But they marginally improved after the break as Jesse Were blazed just over the cross-bar. And the Estadio de la Levy Mwanawasa erupted with joy as the Kenyan centre-back David Owino slotted in a cross from Clatous Chama, who had stayed just onside.

Yet another seriously under-par performance is unlikely to provide any real answers to their remarkable plummet in form - but it proves they can at least churn out a much-needed result. Their first half was marred by the entire side playing too deep, completely unable to build up any form of decent possession once the ball left their bewildered defence.

But Forest Rangers deserve real credit, seeking to take advantage of their jitters at every opportunity in typically determined fashion. After Ben Adama Banh's poor attempt flew into the stands, the hosts were unable to find their passes. Everything that went forward was too heavy or too short.

Clearly robbed of confidence after several slip ups at home this season, Zesco United seemed to have abandoned their trademark slick passing in favour of hitting long balls. Yet the second period showed a marked contrast in style with Clatous Chama, completely splitting the Forest Rangers defence.