Arrows arrive in Tanzania for CAF Confed date

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Nov 27, 2021. 09:00

Red Arrows arrived in Dar es Salaam on Friday afternoon ahead of Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup, pre-group stage, first leg match against Tanzanian champions Simba SC.

This is Arrows debut trip to Tanzania where they will face a seasoned continental group stage campaigner who reached the 2020/2021 CAF Champions League quarterfinals.

“Yes Simba have been competing in this competition for a long time and we know what to expect in Tanzania,” Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe said.

“It is a team with a huge following and we are looking positive heading into this is a game because we want to qualify goes the group stage.”

Arrows have hoping to qualify to the league phase for the first time and join compatriots Zesco United, Nkana, Napsa Stars and Zanaco on that list.

But they also face a Simba side hoping to make amends after they were relegated to the CAF Confederation Cup following their shock ejection from the CAF Champions League pre-group stage by Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana in October.

“We know it is not to going to be an easy game, we just have to be ready to fight so that we can qualify,” Chisi said.

Arrows have a solid 20-member team for the two-legged encounter led by veteran striker James Chamanga.

Chipolopolo defender’s Benedict Chepeshi and Prosper Chiluya are also part of the team.

The final leg is set for December 5 in Lusaka to decide who goes through to the league round of the competition that kicks off in February.

Arrows are one of Zambia’s last two teams still standing in this season’s continental campaign together with Zanaco who host Malian club Binga in Lusaka on November 29.

Zesco United were eliminated in the first round of the CAF Champions League while Kabwe Warriors were ejected at the same phase of the CAF Confederation Cup.

GOALKEEPERS: Charles Kalumba, Kenny Mumba, Yasin Mugabi

DEFENDERS: Elvis Bissong, Benedict Chepeshi, Tresor Tshibwabwa, Prosper Chiluya, Nickson Mubili, Kebson Kamanga, Chiteta Kwalombota

MIDFIELDERS: George Simbayambaya, George Mendu, Allassane Diarra, Saddam Yusuf Phiri, Edward Tembo

STRIKERS: Felix Bulaya, Alidor Kayembe, Joseph Phiri, Ricky Banda, James Chamanga