FCB Nyasa Bullets will enter the pitch at Bingu National Stadium this afternoon as slight favourites when they face Dragon FC of Equatorial Guinea in the second leg of the CAF Champions League courtesy of a 2-0 away win in the first leg.
In last week’s game, Maxwell Phodo scored both goals to give Bullets faithfuls hope of progression to the next phase.
But Bullets fans memories are fresh on how their team forfeited a near similar advantage against Amazulu FC in the same competition in 2021.
Bullets had won the first leg in South Africa 1-0, but lost at home 3-1 in a return fixture at home.
The experience still haunts Bullets Coach Kallisto Pasuwa and he has warned against complacency and poor defending.
“Football is played 90 minutes and we need not be complacent. We went to Equatorial Guinea and scored the first goal after just seven minutes.
“They can do the same if we become complacent. We need not just sit deep but attack. We need to have a positive mind. Our opponents are not a bad side.
“It’s obvious they will come to attack. We need to be very careful in transitions from defence to attack. We need to keep the ball away from these guys.
“The second game will be different from the first one. We need to be careful in defending set pieces.
“We learned in the past situation where we won against Amazulu in the first leg away and lost at home. We need to avoid that and defend properly.
“In the first leg, we were two teams that didn’t know each other. It was more of a cautious game.
“We were sitting deeper and started attacking in the middle or third of our attacking. We need to be better both offensively and defensively if we are to contain them.”
Bullets squad is full of young players without Champions League experience and that too has made Pasuwa apprehensive.
“We have been working on psyching up the players, telling them that the game is only over after two legs are played. We have a young team and it’s the first time to play these games.
“The good thing is that Clyde Senaji and Yamikani Fodya have Champions League experience and know what it takes to qualify in the second round.
“They have been talking to their fellow players and this helps. We need to avoid the past experience against AmaZulu. We need to be mentally strong,” Pasuwa said.
On his part, Bullets’ longest serving member Yamikani Fodya said they have forgotten about the first leg win.
He said: “If we won 2-0 away, it means the job is not yet completed an that is the reason why they are also coming here to play.
“We have advised each other to forget about the first leg and focus on the return leg. This is a new game.”
Soccer pundit Charles Nyirenda has advised Bullets to employ the ‘pre-emptive strike.’
“Attack is the best form of defence.They need to attack all the way and finish off the job.”
The ‘Red Army’ will be on hand to offer the needed vocal support to intimidate the visitors.
Under Pasuwa, Bullets has been supreme on the domestic scene, but very poor on the international stage as they have never made it past the preliminary stage in four attempts.
Bullets have been dealt a blow after left back Eric Kaonga joined the list of injured players Alick Lungu, Stanley Billiat, Mike Mkwate, Hassan Kajoke and Precious Sambani.
But Pasuwa has plenty of options as Lanjesi Nkhoma, Anthony Mfune, Gasten Phodo, Ephraim Kondowe are all up for selection.
All are proven hitmen who can rise up to the occasion.
In midfield, Pasuwa will have the luxury of seven options in Keneth Pasuwa, Frank Willard, Patrick Mwaungulu, Mcfallen Mgwira, Righteous Banda, Precious Phiri, Ernest Petro and Chawanangwa Gumbo. All are fit and raring to go.
In defence too, Pasuwa has a number of options as Gomezgani Chirwa, Precious Sambani, Clyde Senaji, Blessings Mpokera.
Kesten Simbi, Nickson Nyasulu and Yamikan Fodya have all been training with the team this week.
Bullets have able hands on the goal posts in Rabson Chiyenda, Richard Chimbamba and Clever Mkungula.
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