Plateau United, Kano Pillars talk tough after continental defeats
Following their preliminary round defeats over the weekend, Plateau United and Kano Pillars have vowed to overturn the poor results and qualify for the first round of the CAF competitions.
On Sunday, Simba SC of Tanzania shocked NPFL champions, Plateau United 1-0 in Jos in the first leg of the preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.
However, immediately after the disappointing performance by Plateau United, Coach Abdul Maikaba said “Good game against Simba SC. They play good football, but they are not invincible. They are just a few inches ahead of us because they’ve played 11 league games before now.
“We have done it before. I believe we can do it again by winning away from home. We only need your support.
“We only need your support and trust. We still have another 90 minutes to decide who moves to the next round.”
Similarly, Kano Pillars who suffered a 1-3 loss at Senegalese side, Jaraaf FC in the first leg of the Confederation Cup preliminary round clash on Saturday in Dakar have been told to focus on reaching the first round.
The chairman of the club,
Alhaji Surajo Shaaibu Yahaya while addressing the players and technical crew before their departure to Kaduna ahead of the second leg on Saturday, urged the players to forget the 1-3 loss to ASC Jaraaf and concentrate on how to win the next match.
“You are the actors and our own is to support you. So put it in your mind, you are going to succeed in this Confederation Cup campaign despite the loss in Senegal last week,” he said.
On his part, the captain of the Pillars, Rabi’u ‘Pele’ Ali said they had put the loss behind them and are confident of qualifying for the first round.
“We know our fans are not happy with our result in the first leg where we lost 3-1 against ASC Jaraaf FC last Saturday but they have to be patient.
“That is football, you can win, draw or lose, but by God’s grace the second leg will be different,” Rabi’u emphasized.