Rachael Kaphaizi

The stage is set for an interesting encounter between FCB Nyasa Big Bullets and Red Arrows in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, second leg match at National Heroes Stadium today.

Speaking ahead of the game, Red Arrows assistant coach Kalililo Kakonje said they are focused on getting things right at home.

“We did not score as many goals as we would have loved in Malawi, we created a lot of scoring opportunities which we did not convert. Going into [today’s] game, we will be looking at scoring more goals than we did in Malawi,” said Kakonje.

Kakonje also emphasized the importance of solidifying their defence.

“Looking at the fact that we conceded two goals, we have been trying to solidify our defence as a team, we will try to keep a clean sheet,” he added.

Bullets coach Kalisto Pasuwa is confident his team will be ready for the challenge when they face Red Arrows.

“We played the first half of the 90 minutes in Lilongwe, we are here for the second half of it,” said Pasuwa during a pre-match media briefing in Zambia.

“We are playing a structured team, a very experienced side and we know what we are expecting from these guys, they will come at us. I think we have plan B for it.”

Pasuwa also laughed off media reports that suggested his team was not ready for the return leg.

“I think it is the media, like you said, I do not know how they report, I am telling you we are ready and you are telling me what they said which is something else.”

Pasuwa also noted that his team feels at home in Lusaka due to the proximity to Malawi.

“So far so good, we cannot complain, the boys are feeling as if they are at home,” he added.

The match kicks off at 15:00 hours, and the winner will advance to the next round of the CAF Champions League and will face TP Mazembe of Democratic Republic of Congo.