Bullets cautious
Such is the luxury for FCB Nyasa Bullets that a draw this afternoon against Red Arrows in the CAF Champions League preliminary round second leg at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka, Zambia, will see them through to the second round.
But the People’s Team coach Kallisto Pasuwa says he is not reading much into that, insisting that the tables could easily be turned if they throw caution to the wind.
The TNM Super League champions have a spring in their step, having won the first leg 2-1 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe last Sunday.
The Zimbabwean gaffer said: “It’s good that we won at home as it gives us confidence going into the second leg, but remember also that it’s going to be a different match and environment.
“They [Red Arrows] are going to come hard on us and how we approach the game is going to be very crucial. The atmosphere is going to be hostile and we have been preparing the boys to be psychologically strong.
“Yes, we are leading, but the tables can be turned and we have to realise that we are not in the comfort zone yet.”
Having said that, the former Dynamos FC and Zimbabwe National Football Team coach said they are ready for the match.
He also hinted at ringing some changes.
“Every game is different and, therefore, the approach could be different as well, leading to some changes here and there.”
On the other hand, his Arrows counterpart Chisi Mbewe has vowed to turn the tables this afternoon.
He was quoted by lusakatimes.com as having said: “We have rectified the mistakes we spotted in the first leg and I know what we need to do to progress to the next round.
‘The minor mistakes we made affected us, but we’ll do everything possible on Saturday [today] to progress. We have come up with a good plan for them.”
Revitalised forward Babatunde Adepoju carries the People’s Team’s hopes.
The gangly Nigerian forward, who has scored eight goals in six matches, is tipped to mesh with Maxwell Gasten Phodo, with midfield maestro Lloyd Aaron, Precious Phiri and Ronald Chitiyo expected to be at the core of their moves.
However, Bullets are still haunted by injuries and they will be without the likes of Collin Mujuru, Chikumbutso Salima, Chrispine Mapemba, Yankho Singo, Clyde Senaji and Ernest Petro.
On the other hand, striker Ricky Banda, who scored Red Aroows’ consolation goal during the first leg, is their marksman while their other potential match winners are Yusuf Saddam Phiri and Paul Katema.
The winner in today’s encounter will face TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
