Red Arrows vow to bounce back in CAF Champions League after defeat to Nyasa Big Bullets
Zambia’s Red Arrows Football Club is determined to overturn a narrow 2-1 defeat to Malawi’s Nyasa Big Bullets in the first leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie. The Zambian champions are set to intensify preparations ahead of the crucial second leg, which will take place at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Saturday, 24 August 2024.
Red Arrows Chief Executive Officer, Lt Col Kambani Lungu, expressed confidence in the team’s ability to recover from the setback and deliver a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
“Yes, we had a bad day in our first leg, but I wish to assure our people that the team is intact and will undo this setback in the second leg,” Lungu stated.
Following the loss in Lilongwe, the team has already begun preparations for the return fixture, with a full training session scheduled in Lilongwe before their return to Lusaka.
Lungu emphasized that the players and coaching staff understand the importance of the upcoming match and are focused on overcoming the deficit.
“We talked to the boys and the technical bench, encouraging them ahead of the second round.
They understand this crucial task, and everything possible will be done to ensure that the players rise to the challenge,” he added.
Lungu also called on fans and supporters to show up in large numbers to support the team on Saturday, highlighting the vital role that home support can play in pushing the team to the next round of the competition.
Red Arrows head coach, Chisi Mbewe, echoed the CEO’s sentiments, promising that the team will work hard to address the issues that led to their defeat in the first leg.
“We started on a shaky note after giving away a lead, but we know what is at stake and will work hard to achieve the desired results in the return leg,” Mbewe said in a post-match interview.
The first leg saw Red Arrows take the lead in the 57th minute through a strike from Ricky Banda, but Nyasa Big Bullets responded with a goal from Nigerian forward Babatunde Adepoju in the 77th minute.
Precious Phiri then scored the decisive goal for the home side in the 88th minute, securing a 2-1 victory for the Malawian champions.
Nyasa Big Bullets head coach Calisto Pasuwa acknowledged that his team will also prepare thoroughly for the second leg, recognizing the challenge of playing away in Lusaka.
As Red Arrows look to reverse their fortunes in the second leg, the team will need to capitalize on their home advantage and deliver a solid performance to advance in the CAF Champions League.
The upcoming match promises to be a high-stakes encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the next round of Africa’s premier club competition.
