Zanaco, Arrows geared for CAF ties

ZAMBIA’S envoys in the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup Zanaco and Red Arrows continue their continental games journey today when they face Sudanese' Al Merrikh FC and De Agosto FC from Angola in their respective second preliminary round first leg fixtures.

Zanaco are in Cairo, Egypt where they will face the Sudanese giants while Red Arrows are playing as hosts to the Angolans in today's fixture at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Lusaka.

Today's fixtures are crucial for Zanaco coach Kelvin Kaindu and Arrows Technical Director Osward Mutapa who have both declared their charges ready for the tie.

In a pre-match press conference at Al Ahly Stadium in Cairo, Kaindu said the bankers have prepared well for the crucial game.

"It is a big game for us we are playing a team that has been consistent in the Champions League. We have prepared well and if you look at the fixtures we have to play the return leg in our home ground. But coming to the game, we have respect for our opponents and we know the pedigree that they have in the tournament and we just hope for the best. We are ready," Kaindu said.

And Zanaco captain Ziyo Tembo reaffirmed the players’ commitment to a win in Egypt.

And Al Merrikh coach Diego

Garzito is confident of beating Zanaco despite missing some key players.

Al Merekh captain Amir Kamal said his teammates are determined to fight for victory.

"We respect Zanaco, an experienced opponent in Africa. Zambian football is not foreign to us. We have faced its clubs and the Zambian national team several times,” he said.

Meanwhile 10, 000 fans have been allowed for the Red Arrows clash with Premeiro de Agosto at Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.