Wed, 21 Feb 2018 10:23:03 +0000
…5-2 goal aggregate ends buffaloes road to 2018 CAF Confederations cup
By Michael Miyoba
Green Buffaloes have been eliminated from the 2018 CAF Confederations Cup despite having beaten Al Masry of Egypt 2-1 in the second leg of the preliminary fixture played yesterday at Nkoloma Stadium in Lusaka.
Army-sponsored Buffaloes lost the preliminary fixture via a 5-2 aggregate defeat after having lost the first leg 4-0 in Port Said a week ago.
The Bilton Musonda-led Buffaloes began the second leg fixture at Nkoloma Stadium with determination to cancel the four goals allowed in Egypt and were rewarded 11 minutes into the first half when striker, Mike Katiba, found the back of the net with his sublime header.
The Army men were however left holding their heads when Ahmad Goma silenced the home crowd after beating Buffaloes goal keeper, Fred Silwimba, to level the scores.
Buffaloes tried to get back into the game but were unfortunate as Katiba, Youremember Banda and Felix Katongo missed chances which could have put Buffaloes ahead before half time.
Buffaloes dominance over All Masry continued in the second half but could however not find the back of the net.
The Army men did not give up and were rewarded in the dying minutes of the game when left back Stephen Kabamba made it 2-1 in their favour.
Kabamba’s late goal could however not save the Army men as they were eliminated from the CAF Confederations Cup.
Being eliminated from the CAF tournament in the first round did not shock Musonda who commended his boys for beating the Egyptians.
Musonda said that his boys have learnt a lot from the tournament which features the best teams in Africa.
“It was a tough game but I’m happy the boys won today though it is unfortunate that we failed to progress to the next round.
We have learnt a lot from the tournament and our focus will shift to doing better in the league so that we can qualify for the Confederations Cup next season,” Musonda said.
Meanwhile Al Masry coach Hossam Hassan commended his squad for progressing to the next round despite having lost the second leg fixture.
Hassan noted that Buffaloes played well but could not progress because of the four goals allowed in the first leg in Port Said.
