Fri, 15 Sep 2017 13:55:39 +0000
…as they take on SA Super Sport FC in the knockout stage in Pretoria this afternoon for CAF 2017 cup.
By Michael Miyoba
ZAMBIA’s envoys in the CAF Confederations cup tournament Zesco United’s hopes of qualifying for the 2017 CAF Confederation Cup comes under massive test this afternoon when they take on South African giants Super Sport United in the tournament’s first leg of the quarter finals to be played at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria.
Zesco finished top of Group C in the CAF Confederation Cup group stages to set up a date with Super Sport.
Zesco coach Zlatko Krmpotic believes he has a good squad capable of ending his team’s winless away streak in the Confederation Cup.
Krmpotic noted that there was need for his boys to give their best to progress to the semifinals of one of Africa’s most prestigious club tournament.
Krmpotic said he has a lot of respect for Super Sport but he also knew what he and his team wanted to achieve in the CAF competition.
“We know our target but this quarter-final does not come every day. This is one chance maybe after five years. We must carry this in our heads and go into the game not hundred percent but to give everything in two games for us to qualify.
“Super Sport is one of the top four teams in South Africa and we have to respect them but we know our target in this competition, we have a good chance to progress and move to the next stage,” he added.
Meanwhile Super Sport head coach Eric Tinkler said he had thoroughly studied Zesco noting that the Ndola giants have a good team with strong players.
Tinkler who came agonisingly close to winning the CAF Confederation Cup two years ago when he guided Orlando Pirates to the final of the competition said his team was ready for the Zesco challenge.
“We are at a stage of the competition where all teams are good, and whatever weakness we have seen might be corrected. Yes, we have studied how they play, but we also need to be on our A-game,
“We have identified a number of good players that are dangerous in offence. They are also very versatile in their formation, which makes it slightly challenging to plan against them but we will be ready,” concluded Tinkler.
After this evening’s first leg quarterfinal fixture of the CAF Confederation Cup at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Zesco will a week later host Super Sport in the return leg fixture at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
