Kenya international John Makwatta's goal was unable to help Zesco United avoid a 2-1 defeat to Napsa Stars in a Faz Super League encounter on Sunday.
Aaron Kabwe and Collins Sikombe were Napsa Stars' scorers while Makwatta scored for the defending champions at the Sunset Stadium in Lusaka.
Tapson Sakeba thought he scored for Napsa Stars in the 28th minute but his goal was ruled out for offside.
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Another opportunity for the home side came in the 33rd minute but Austin Banda was not clinical enough as he sent the ball straight to Ian Otieno.