FCB Nyasa Big Bullets have a date with destiny when they face Red Arrows in the second leg of the Caf Champions League first preliminary round at National Heroes Stadium, Lusaka, Zambia this afternoon.
Heading into the match, Bullets have a spring in their steps having beaten Arrows 2-1 at Bingu National Stadium on Sunday.
And this afternoon, Bullets need a draw to progress to the second preliminary round of the competition.
However, the tie is far from over as Arrows can overturn it with a 1-0 victory in this afternoon’s match.
Bullets need to be brave to get a positive result against Arrows.
There is always an intimidating atmosphere at Heroes Stadium. But there is an air of defiance in Bullets camp that they can cause an upset at their own backyard in Lusaka.
Victory will not come on a silver platter as Arrows are not pushovers especially at home.
Bullets need to double their efforts and believe in themselves.
Straight from a 3-1 victory over Moyale Barracks in the FDH Bank Cup semi-final, Bullets touched down in Lusaka on Thursday ahead of this afternoon’s battle.
Bullets Coach Kalisto Pasuwa will hope to guide his side to back-to-back second round qualification, despite failing to lead the side beyond the second preliminary round of the competition.
Despite having an advantage following a 2-1 home win, Pasuwa insisted the tie was far from over.
“We got plan B for them. We expect a hostile environment in Lusaka but the good thing is that most of the players are used to it. We have learnt from past mistakes,” the Zimbabwean said.
Pasuwa has travelled with a majority of experienced players including Collins Mujuru, Ronald Chitiyo, Clyde Senanji, Gomezgani Chirwa and Precious Sambani.
Ahead of the clash, Bullets have some injury concerns.
Arrows Coach Chisi Mbewe was confident of turning the table in the second leg.
“We know what is at stake. If we want to qualify, we need to work extra hard. We need to win at all cost in Lusaka. If we lose, we are out of the competition,” Mbewe said after the loss in the first leg.
Arrows will be banking on home advantage. They have a lot of good players including Ackim Mumba, Paul Katema, Yussuf Saddam Phiri and Lassaine Diarra.
The overall winner between Bullets and Arrows will face Democratic Republic of Congo giants TP Mazembe.
Last season, Bullets lost to Mazembe 5-0 on aggregate at the same stage.
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