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Ricky Zililo Senior Sports Reporter
HOW Mine FC coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube has praised his charges for qualifying to the next stage of the Orange Caf Confederation Cup after beating Zanzibar’s Chuoni FC 6-1 on aggregate.Chikurupati showed character by coming from a goal down to edge the East African islanders 2-1 at Amaan Stadium on Saturday.
Speaking from Zanzibar, Ncube said his How Mine side who went for the return leg carrying a healthy 4-0 lead found themselves a goal down in the 12th minute. They got the equaliser in the 27th minute through Thembani Masuku before striker Kuda Musharu sealed victory for Zimbabwe’s representatives in the dying stages of the game heading a Warren Dube cross.
How Mine will now meet the winner between St Michel of the Seychelles or Madagascar’s ASSM Elgeco Plus. St Michel went into the second leg carrying a 2-1 lead over their opponents at the weekend.
“It was a great game and like I anticipated, we played under energy sapping humid conditions which favoured them as they were all over us for the first 25 minutes. They were using the left flank to initiate their attacks and I had to pull out Marvel Samaneka for Xolisani Moyo and after that we regained control as we equalised two minutes after his introduction.
“After the equaliser, they fizzled out and we took the game away from them. We never sat back and I am happy with the way the boys responded when we were a goal down. I wanted a bigger win away from home but qualifying to the next round is great and we are looking forward to our next game,” Ncube said.
Beefy is making his maiden appearance in continental competition and desires to leave a lasting mark with his How Mine, a mixture of veterans and youngsters.
“The sky is the limit for these boys and what is important in this competition is to win convincingly at home and when you go for the return leg pressure will be much less for you. Now that we have cleared the first hurdle, we are coming back to work on our shortcomings and perfect our finishing.”
Ncube challenged his players to continue working hard, reminding them that “they are not guaranteed of permanent places.”
How Mine are expected to arrive back in the country tomorrow.
How Mine team that played Ephraim Mazarura, Morris Kadzola, Terrence Majo, Nyasha Mukumbi, George Magariro, Menard Mupera, Edmore Muzanenhamo (Herbert Dick, 90th minute), Kuda Musharu, Thembani Masuku, Marvel Samaneka (Xolisani Moyo, 25th minute), James Chitereki (Warren Dube, 78th minute).
Unused substitutes: Donovan Bernard, Timothy January, Emmanuel Mandiranga, Blessing Sande.
Online Reporter