By Ndinawe Simpelwe –
HOROYA AC coach Victor Zvunka says his team has put itself in a tricky position of qualifying to the second round of the CAF Champions’ League after losing 4-1 to Zesco United in the first-leg match played at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
And Lwandamina says Zesco will not relax even after earning a 4-1 advantage going into the return leg away in Guinea next Sunday.
Speaking in a post match conference, Zvunka said reversing a 4-1 deficit was a tough task especially that Zesco was one of the toughest sides his team had played and that he would look to win 3-0 so that they benefit from the away goal they scored.
“Today (Saturday) we met a very good team, they kept pushing until they got what they wanted and we allowed them. That is not to say our midfield was dead, we played a different team from the one we played in the first round. They controlled all departments and pushed us a lot.
“The important thing is we scored an important goal which we can carry back home. Just like they pushed here, we will also push them when they come and with a 3-0 win, we will be able to go through,” Zvunka said.
But Lwandamina said the team will not relax despite the comfortable lead going into the return leg.
He said there was still a lot of football to be played and would not be carried away with the flattering 4-1 win and will go and finish off the match in Guinea.
“It’s not yet over. This is just the first half. That, in itself, tells me we are not going to relax and feel that the 4-1 is enough. We still have the last half and until then, qualification is not confirmed,” Lwandamina said.
And Zanaco coach Numba Mumamba says his charges will have to work hard to get through to the next stage despite winning 2-1 away in the CAF Confederations Cup competition, GODFREY DUBE writes.
“It wasn’t an easy game, we expect a tough encounter in Zambia so we have to work hard for us to progress to the next round. We came here for a win and we knew the best way to defend would be to attack,” he said.
He expressed worry with the way his team lost concentration in the closing minutes of the game adding that this was a sign that Harare City can caus problems in Lusaka.
Captain Ziyo Tembo said the team worked hard for the victory and that the focus was on reaching the group stage.
“We worked hard for the victory and played according to the instructions that our coach gave and we have delivered,” he said.