FCB Nyasa Big Bullets plunge into the lion’s den in what is another biggest test when they face TP Mazembe in the second leg of the second preliminary round of Caf Champions League.
The two will meet at Stade Mazembe in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo this afternoon.
The sides will clash for the second time in a space of two weeks having met at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe in which Mazembe triumphed 1-0.
The match is important as it will determine who will qualify for the group stage of the competition.
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Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa, leads his charges into what some believe is mission impossible considering that there is a huge gap in class between the two sides.
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Again, there is always an intimidating atmosphere at Stade Mazembe.
Bullets touched down in Lubumbashi, DRC Friday on a chartered flight in defiant mood and believe they can turn the tables.
In all fairness, the odds are stacked against the People’s Team ahead of this tie after they lost at home.
However, there is an air of defiance in Bullets camp that they can cause an upset in this year’s Caf Champions League by eliminating the five-time champions.
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On the part of Mazembe, they just need a draw to confirm their progression to the group stage of the 2023 Caf Champions League.
Pasuwa believes his charges can stun Mazembe.
“The tie is still open but we need to follow our game-plan to get a result,” he said.
Bullets have received a timely boost as Peter Banda, Hassan Kajoke and Collins Okumu who missed the first leg are fit for the clash.
Clyde Senaji, Patrick Mwaungulu, Lanjesi Nkhoma and Ernest Petro are also potential match winners.
On his part, Mazembe coach Lamine N’Diaye refused to underrate Bullets.
“The tie is far from over,” he said.
Mazembe have a strong squad comprising Kelvin Mundeko, Joel Beya, Cheick Fofana, Ntabwe Kalonji and Ibrahim Keita.
The winner between Bullets and Mazembe will qualify for the Caf Champions’ League group stage. Bullets last reached the group stage in 2004.
It also took them eight years to qualify for the second preliminary round of the competition.
They eliminated Dragon FC from Equatorial Guinea following a 3-0 loss on aggregate.—Powered by Luthando Holdings Limited-dealers in Yamaya products
