History beckons:
CAPS United could write another piece of history for themselves today should they beat Libyan giants Al Ahli Tripoli at the National Sports Stadium, and the result in the other Group B match between five-time champions Zamalek and USM Alger go their way, as the 2017 CAF Champions League road show rumbles on with eight matches over the next three days.
The Green Machine could propel themselves to the top of Group B, the first time they have topped a Champions League group in their history, with victory over the visiting Libyans and resurgent Egyptian powerhouse Zamalek fail to beat their Algerian opponents in Alexandria today.
Makepekepe found themselves among the bottom two teams in the group after the first round of the fixtures, following a 0-2 loss in Alexandria at the hands of a Zamalek side desperate to go one step further in this tournament and win a sixth crown after the disappointment of losing in the final last year.
But an impressive 2-1 victory over USM Alger at the giant stadium last week, courtesy of a double strike from the impressive Ronald “Rooney” Chitiyo, powered the Green Machine into second place in the group where Zamalek lead the race with four points from two matches.
Although CAPS United have an inferior goal difference to USM Alger, who also have three points, they leapt over the Algerians into second place because CAF uses the head-to-head format in classification of teams in the event those clubs have played against each other during the campaign.
And CAPS United could soar to the top of Group B today should they beat Al Ahli Tripoli and USM Alger either hold or beat Zamalek in Alexandria in the third round of fixtures today.
Until this campaign, the Harare giants had never made it into the group stages of the Champions League and a place at the top of the group, even at the halfway mark of the tight battle for a place in the quarter-finals of the tournament, could be an historic achievement.
Lloyd Chitembwe’s men have already shown they have the pedigree to match the best clubs on the continent and, in the final elimination round for a place in the group stages, they produced the biggest shock when they dumped five-time African champions TP Mazembe from the tournament.
CAPS United showed remarkable resilience to hold the Congolese giants to a 1-1 draw in Lubumbashi, even taking the lead at a fortress where many visiting clubs have resembled poor lambs being driven into the slaughter chamber, through a strike by Abbas Amidu.
But a goal from Zambian captain Rainford Kalaba restored parity for the Congolese, champions of Africa just two years ago and who have won the title three times in the past eight years, only for the Green Machine to hold on to a draw that gave them the edge in the tie.
And, amid intense pressure at the National Sports Stadium, where a goal by the Congolese would have dramatically changed the picture, Chitembwe’s troops found a way to hang on to their advantage, repelling everything that was thrown at them and force a goalless draw that worked in their favour on the away goals rule.
It was a huge result that sent shock waves across African football but CAPS United showed it wasn’t a fluke by standing toe-totoe with Zamalek in Egypt, only for them to concede two second half goals they could have avoided, in a thrilling contest.
Last Wednesday, back in their fortress, Makepekepe flexed their muscles and with Tafadzwa Dube playing a blinder in midfield and Chitiyo supplying the goals that mattered, they were worthy winners in another epic contest against the technically-gifted Algerians.
Centre-back Justice Jangano, whom some feared could be the weak link in their defence, answered his critics in the best way possible with a composed performance in the heart of the defence, outshining his vice-captain Dennis Dauda, even though he didn’t get the praise that his rich show deserved.
CAPS United are marking their 20th anniversary of participation in the CAF Champions League after they marked their entrance into the big boys club in 1997 with a 7-6 aggregate victory over Express of Uganda, winning the home tie 5-2 and then losing 2-4 in Kampala.
USM Alger were also part of that Champions League show and destroyed CD Travadores of Cape Verde in the first round while Zamalek beat St George of Ethiopia in the same round.
Makepekepe, though, fell in the next round when they lost both their home and away matches to Orlando Pirates of South Africa.
CAPS United disappeared from the Champions league radar, after that loss, only to reappear in 2005 when they destroyed Lesotho Defence Forces 8-4 on aggregate.
And, again, USM Alger were part of that show as they lost 2-3 to Al Ahly of Egypt who would then go on to beat Zamalek 4-1 on aggregate in the semi-finals of a tourney in which CAPS lost in the second round to Red Arrows of Zambia 1-2 on aggregate.
A disqualification from the tournament, the following year for using ineligible players, cost
CAPS United when they appeared primed to do very well, having lost just 0-1 to Raja Casablanca in the first leg in Morocco.
Now, Makepekepe, after an 11-year absence, are back among the big boys again and a victory today, which some of their fans believe is guaranteed, could even see them topping their group. However, Al Ahli Tripoli are not pushovers. Homeless they might be, of course, because of the unrest in their country which has seen them being forced to play their matches in Tunisia but, hopeless, they certainly are not.
They showed their qualities last week when they held Zamalek to a goalless draw when many pundits had forecast that they would
LIBYAN giants Al Ahli Tripoli say they have enjoyed the hospitality extended by CAPS United, but it’s now time for the battle and they are confident they will spring a big surprise in this CAF Champions League Group B showdown at the National Sports Stadium this afternoon. The match starts at 3pm. The North Africans arrived in Harare on Tuesday afternoon and, coming from a country reeling from political unrest, the tranquillity of the capital has been refreshing.
The Libyans are also observing Ramadan.
Speaking at a Press briefing, Al Ahli Tripoli team manager Hussein Mahmoud saluted CAPS United for their hospitality.
The two clubs signed an agreement to cater for each other’s accommodation and food expenses during either side’s tour of duty.
And the hosts booked their visitors in a five-star hotel.
Al Ahli Tripoli are hosting their home matches in Tunisia due to the volatile political situation in Tripoli.
“Thanks to CAPS United club for receiving us well and everything is okay. The accommodation, everything is nice and very good. We hope when they come to Tunisia we will do the same,’’ said Mahmoud.
“I hope tomorrow (today) we will have a good game. I think we are prepared enough for this game. We trained for two weeks before we came here. But I hope tomorrow (today) we will have a good game.
“As you know there are problems in our country. CAF have banned us and we cannot play at our home. We have played two games outside and CAPS United are coming to Tunisia.
“But what can we do? This is football, I hope our problems will end soon and we play at home again.’’
Mahmoud still believes the group was wide open.
“Any team has a chance to progress. We want to go far in this tournament, the same as CAPS United, Zamalek and USM Alger.
“But the lucky teams with good players will progress,” said Hussein.
The Libyan champions are optimistic they will find a winning formula this afternoon.
And CAPS United, who have injury concerns, know they cannot afford to relax.
Addressing a media briefing yesterday, the club’s assistant coach Fungai “Tostao” Kwashi said they were fully aware of the capabilities of their opponents.
“Tripoli are a good side, very compact, yes, they might have lost the first game, but they put up a good show against Zamalek. We must give them due respect,’’ said Kwashi.
“We know tomorrow it is going to be another fierce battle, we are looking forward to it and we are up for it.’’
The team has been reeling from injuries, but received a boost yesterday with goalkeepers Edmore Sibanda and Jorum Muchambo joining the rest of the players in training.
The duo didn’t train on Wednesday, but appear to be recovering well. They have since been drafted into the final squad which went into camp last night.
However, defender Dennis Dauda has been ruled out while Valentine Musarurwa is also likely to be unavailable.
Tafadzwa Rusike and Hardlife Zvirekwi have also been included in the final squad.
“Yes, we might have setbacks, but it is also an opportunity for someone to shine and come to the party for the team. Dauda is definitely ruled out. Hope in the coming weeks he would be back,” he said.
Kwashi also urged supporters and football followers to come and rally in their corner.
The champions are expecting a bigger crowd than the one which came to watch last week’s match against the Algerian side USM Alger.
“We urge all Zimbabweans to come and support us. We know it’s a Friday, but hope the bosses will give people half day so that they can come in numbers to support us.
“We are urging everyone to come and give us the final push, help us and motivate us,” he said.
The club has maintained the gate charges at $5 for the cheapest ticket while those who want to be part of the VIP section will have to part with $20.