ZESCO United coach, George Lwandamina has revealed that they had to beat Asante Kotoko to protect their ‘integrity’ and ‘pride’ following their 2-1 win in the final group match of the CAF Confederation Cup on Sunday.

The Zambian giants had nothing to play for following their elimination from the competition after losing 3-0 to rivals Nkana FC in the penultimate game in Kitwe last week.

The Ghana Premier League side needed to return to Ghana with maximum points to ensure their passage into the quarterfinals stage after blowing up the chance to do so following a 1-1 stalemate with Al Hilal in Kumasi last Sunday.

But the Porcupine Warriors hopes were buried after Jesse Were and Kondwani Mtonga capitalized on defensive mishaps to win the match for ZESCO after Stephen Nyarko had handed the Ghanaians the advantage in the first half.

Speaking to the press, coach Lwandamina clarified that his outfit won the match to make a statement to their accusers.

“They wanted it more as their coach said but we also needed to win to protect our pride and integrity that’s why we gave them a good run for their money.

“Both sides showed character, it was a cagey match but unfortunately both teams are out of the competition.”

ZESCO and Kotoko exited the competition with seven points apiece.