Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
ZANACO coach Numba Mumamba is confident that they will beat Harare City in the CAF Confederation Cup first round, first leg tie at Rufaro this afternoon. The Zambian gaffer, whose side boast of five Chipolopolo players, said they will play their normal game and won’t park the bus. The team arrived in Harare on Thursday with a strong 18-man squad, which includes 2012 African Cup of Nations winner Isaac Chansa.

But they will also miss former Hwange and FC Platinum defender Aaron Katebe who has not yet received his international transfer certificate from ZIFA, Andrew Kwiliko, Portipher Zulu, Mwelwa Sakala and Ernest Mbewe.

Mumamba said they were looking forward to a positive result after receiving a bye in the preliminary round. “We have come to play our normal game and we will not defend as many may think but we will do both, that is to defend and attack as well.

“I don’t know much about our opponents but their win away in Madagascar shows that they are a strong side which we will treat with respect. “What I understand is they are a good team that can cause an upset to any team,” said Mumamba.

He challenged his players to progress past the first round after falling at the same stage last year.

“Our intention is to progress and surpass this stage and reach the group stages. We were eliminated at the same stage last year and it will be good that we progress and make our supporters happy.

“We have prepared well for the game and we have enough experience and we have been to the semi-finals of the same tournament in 2010 and 2012 which gives us hope that we can do well once again.

“We are happy that we have all our important players,” Mumamba added.

Harare City coach Taurai Mangwiro said he had enough cover for the players who will miss today’s tie.

“We will not read too much into the players who are injured, we know they are important for such matches but, at times, you have to do with what you have,” said Mangwiro.

“We are prepared for the game and I hope we will do well and win the encounter with a good margin. We are very concerned about concedding a goal as that can have negative effects in our return leg.”

Harare City vice-captain James Jam believes they have done enough and were ready for the showdown against the northern neighbours.

“We have played our part and did everything to make sure that we win the game and everyone is ready.

“I hope we will manage to get the goals so that when we go to Zambia for the second leg we will have an advan- tage.

“It is everyone’s wish that we progress and go on to reach the group stages as playing at such a high level is good for every player.

“The team is ready and everyone is looking forward to the game which is very important to us as a team,” Jam said.

ZANACO Squad

Goalkeepers — Racha Kola, Toaster Nsabata

Defenders — Peter Jacob Banda, Lee Ngoma, George Chilufya, Fackson Kapumbu, Ziyo Tembo

Midfielders — Rodrick Kabwe, Charles Zulu, Richard Kasonde, Isaac Chansa, Boyd Musonda, Augustine Mulenga, Salulani Phiri

Strikers — Fashion Sakala, Saith Sakala, Aubrey Funga, Dave Daka, Charles Zulu, Richard Kasonde, Isaac Chansa, Boyd Musonda, Augustine Mulenga, Salulani — Fashion Sakala, Saith Sakala, Aubrey Funga, Dave Daka

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