LEOPARDS CAN CASH IN WITH ONE GOAL
Al-merreikh poor on road
A LATE show in Omdurman, Sudan, a fortnight ago means Black Leopards need just one goal to see them through to the group stages of the CAF Confederation Cup when they meet Sudanese side Al-Merreikh at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Lidoda Duvha lost the first leg of their play-off match against the Sudanese 3-2, but gave themselves a fighting chance by netting two late goals to change the complexion of the tie.
A single goal now will leave the teams level on aggregate, but will see coach Sunday Chidzambwa ’ s side go through on the away goals rule.
Confidence is high in the Leopards camp after their showing in Sudan and the expectation is for a win.
The team has also been boosted by the return from flu of national Under-23 striker Rodney Ramagalela, as well as the availability of Nigerian striker Joshua Obaje, who is back in the country after being held up in his homeland because of ter- rorist attacks in Kaduna.
Midfielder Mahlatse Maake is also back in training and club spokesman Tendani Thidiela said the players were ready for the game.
“The group stages are where the money is in this competition so the players know the importance of us advancing past Al-Merreikh,” Thidiela said. “That is when the TV money from Sport Five kicks in and you get prize money wherever you finish in the group, so it would be a big deal for the club to advance.
“The guys really feel they are in with a very good chance.”
Should Leopards make it to the group stages their minimum prize money will be $150 000 (R1.23m), rising to $625 000 (R5.13m) if they win the tournament.
Al-Merreikh are in fine domestic form but have won just two of their last 29 matches away from home in African club competition.