adminby losing only 3-2 in Zambia against Zanaco after twice falling two goals behind, and those two “away” goals could prove decisive after the return encounter.
Coach Nyanga Hlophe believes Swallows will triumph at the Somhlolo Stadium in Lobomba, telling reporters in the tiny, landlocked southern Africa kingdom that he is confident of a rare Swazi success in the competition.
“We are ready for Zanaco and have a much better idea of their strengths and weaknesses having played them in Lusaka. I am confident we will win this game,” he said.
However, getting good results away from home has not been a problem for the Mbabane outfit with draws against South African sides Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United to their credit.
Home is where the heartache is with a 4-1 loss to Defence Force of Lesotho in 1998, a 5-0 drubbing from Pirates in 2006 and a 3-1 defeat by SuperSport three seasons ago. Swallows’ hopes of a dramatic improvement at home were boosted when Ghana-born striker Mike Mohamed was passed fit to play and Darren Christie may also start after proving an inspired second-half substitution in Lusaka.
The last thing Zambian football needs after the tame first round exit of the defending champions from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations is for their champions to be eliminated in the preliminary round.
“We will play our normal game and qualify,” Zanaco midfielder and captain Henry Banda assured Zambian reporters, “as Swallows are under pressure playing at home.”
Pirates are virtually certain to face Swallows or Zanaco in the round of 32 as they take a 5-0 advantage to the Comoros Islands over debutants Djabal with Zimbabwean striker Takesure Chinyama scoring four first-leg goals.
However, the Buccaneers can take nothing for granted as they were stunned 4-1 by third-tier Maluti College in the South African FA Cup last weekend and then lost 3-2 in the league to Moroka Swallows after building a two-goal lead. Ugandan outfit Revenue Authority could claim a significant scalp in 2008 Champions League runners-up Coton Sport of Cameroon in Kampala today after forcing a 0-0 first-leg draw. – AFP.
Caf Champions League preliminary round, second leg fixtures this weekend (aggregate score in brackets)
At N’Djamena – Gazelle (CHA) v Zamalek (EGY) (0-7)
At Lome – Dynamic (TOG) v Vita Club (COD) (0-3)
At Addis Ababa – St George (ETH) v Jamhuri (ZAN) (3-0)
TBA – Al Ittihad (LBA) v CA Bizertin (TUN) (1-1)
Note: Match to be played in Morocco because of Libyan security situation
At Maseru – Correctional Services (LES) v Dynamos (ZIM) (0-3)
At Nairobi – Tusker (KEN) v St Michel Utd (SEY) (4-1)
At Lobomba – Mbabane Swallows (SWZ) v Zanaco (ZAM) (2-3)
At Moroni – Djabal (COM) v Orlando Pirates (RSA) (0-5)
At Gaborone – Mochudi Centre Chiefs (BOT) v Maxaquene (MOZ) (1-0)
At Bujumbura – Vital’O (BDI) v APR (RWA) (2-1)
At Libolo – Recreativo Libolo (ANG) v Simba (TAN) (1-0)
At Niamey – Olympic (NIG) v JSM Bejaia (ALG) (0-3)
At Malabo – Sony Ela Nguema (GEQ) v Asante Kotoko (GHA) (0-7)
At Antananarivo – Adema (MAD) v Primeiro Agosto (ANG) (2-4)
At Banjul – Real Banjul (GAM) v FUS Rabat (MAR) (0-1)
At Monrovia – LISCR (LBR) v Union Douala (CMR) (1-2)
At San Pedro – Sewe San Pedro (CIV) v Horoya (GUI) (0-0)
At Freetown – Diamond Stars (SLE) v AFAD Djekanou (CIV) (1-5)
At Kampala – Revenue Authority (UGA) v Coton Sport (CMR) (0-0)
At Ziguinchor – Casa Sport (SEN) v Moghreb Tetouan (MAR) (0-1)
At Bangui – Olympic Real Bangui (CAR) v Kano Pillars (NGR) (1-5)
At Mounana – Mounana (GAB) v AC Leopards (CGO) (0-2)
At Ouagadougou – ASFA Yennenga (BUR) v ASPAC (BEN) (1-1)
Note: Enugu Rangers (NGR) received a walkover into round of 32 when SC Principe (STP) failed to appear for first leg.
Online Reporter