Agosto test Arrows' CAF Confed ambitions

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Oct 16, 2021. 14:00

Red Arrows stay in the 2021/2022 CAF Confederation Cup faces its biggest test this Saturday when they host Primeiro de Agosto of Angola in a second round, first leg match at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Arrows booked a tricky round two tie against Agosto after drawing 0-0 away to Eswatini side Young Buffaloes on September 18 to advance 2-1 on aggregate.

Agosto, who enjoyed a preliminary round bye, have given Zambian clubs problems over the last five years at both league and knockout phases of continental competition.

Zesco United particularly have endured a very poor run against Agosto, drawing three games and losing one match since 2018.

However, Zesco are not Agostos’ only continental victims from Zambia over the last four seasons.

Agosto ejected Green Eagles from the 2019/2020 CAF Champions League second round.

They drew 1-1 in the first leg in Lusaka but Eagles’ 2-1 away win in Luanda was not enough for the Zambian club who bowed out on away goals rule.

Meanwhile, Arrows return to CAF Confederation Cup action on a low following a 3-0 league loss at home to promoted Kanasanshi Dynamos on October 9 across Lusaka at Nkoloma Stadium.

“We have prepared well and we know that we are playing a very seasoned team in continental football but this should motivate us,” Arrows technical director Osward Mutapa said.

“Yes, we are coming from a loss against Kansanshi but I think the attitude we have seen in training is different and we are feeling confident.”

But Mutapa admitted that Arrows must dig deep to get that vital result to take into the final leg in Luanda on October 24.

“Like I said, they are a seasoned team but we shouldn’t give time on the ball,” Mutapa said.

Arrows have no injuries or suspensions heading into the match and will be banking on the experience of veteran striker James Chamanga to lift their spirits.

“The main thing here is that if we believe in ourselves, it will be key in this game. Arrows can play football and everyone can attest to that,” Mutapa said.