adminDeMbare have not done well in the last two editions of the continental premier club competition and they are on the verge of elimination following the 0-3 defeat in Tunisia three weeks ago.
While conceding that they face an uphill task, Muparati yesterday told The Herald that the Glamour Boys were bullish about turning the tables.
“Of course, we lost the first leg in Tunisia but we are not being negative about it. I believe we are still in the tournament and morale in the camp is very high,” said Muparati.
Everyone is geared up for the game because we have to win at all costs.”
It appears the Zimbabwe champions always struggle against North Africa opposition when playing away.
Last year, they crashed out in the second round at the hands of Esperance, who beat them 7-1 on aggregate.
They did well in the 1-1 draw against the Tunisian giants at Rufaro but they had lost the battle in the first leg in Tunis where they had succumbed to a 6-0 hiding.
Their dream the previous year, was also extinguished in that part of the continent, albeit in controversial circumstances, despite carrying a healthy 4-1 lead against MC Alger of Algeria.
And now they hang by a thread with odds staked heavily against them as they need nothing short of three goals, and avoiding conceding, if they hope to progress.
It appears a tall order and DeMbare will have to dig deep for inspiration following a poor run in their opening games of the domestic season which ended in disappointing stalemates.
DeMbare, who were terribly short on competitive game time compared to their opponents, were hoping to get the boost they needed ahead of this second leg tie but identical 1-1 draws against Black Mambas and Chicken Inn did not do much to lift the spirits.
Dynamos yesterday intensified their preparations by having their training session at the match venue.
Muparati believes they have the strength to stage a comeback using home advantage.
“Remember we scored four goals here when we played that Algerian team (MC Alger). We can do it again if we keep focused,” said Muparati.
“The fact that they (Bizertin) use grass surface for home games and that they rarely play on artificial turf should work to our advantage.
“We need goals on Sunday and we have to believe in ourselves. They used home advantage and scored three goals, so why can’t we do the same here.
“I just urge our supporters to come in their numbers because these are the people who inspire us in difficult moments and I am sure their backing is greatly needed on Sunday.”
Bizertin are expected this evening with a delegation of 43 people led by the club’s president Mehdi Ben Gharbia, who was re-elected into office on Wednesday by a majority vote. The delegation left Tunis yesterday via the same route that was used by Dynamos and they slept over in Dubai before getting their connecting flight this morning. The Tunisians have made a few adjustments to their provisional squad of 20 players with the scorer of the first goal in the reverse fixture Ali Machani staying behind.
There were also indications that midfielder Nour Handria may not travel with the team while their star midfielder Kamel Zaiem returns after missing the first leg because of the death of his father a few days earlier.
Coach Mondher Kbaier, who will be looking forward to keep his unbeaten run since taking over the job last month, has included two defenders Mahomad Khadhari and Arbi Jabeur, who were not on the 18-man sheet the previous time.
They also have three goalkeepers with the addition of Briek Marouen as cover.
Bizertin have been enjoying their game since the arrival of Kabier, who recorded a victory against Dynamos in his first assignment.
The side, which has now risen to second on the log standings, then maintained the winning form on the domestic scene with victories over AS Marsa (2-0) and champions Esperance whom they beat 1-0 last week.
Bizertin, just like Dynamos, are coming from a drawn assignment in their last outing after playing a 1-1 stalemate at ES Zarzis last Sunday.
CA Bizertin squad:
Goalkeepers: Moustapha Ben Farrouk (captain), Hassen Bejaoui, Brik Marouen
Defenders: Houssem Ben Haj Mabrouk, Arbi Jabeur, Jaziri Fakhredine, Hamza Mathlouthi, Mohamed Khadhari, Slimane Kchok
Midfielders: Houssem Eddine Sdiri, Chaker Bargaoui, Kamel Zaiem, Ahmed Harran, Youssoupha Mbengue, Edem Rjaibi, Youssef Trabelsi
Strikers: Olivier Karekezi, Marouen Troudi, Mohamed Ali Mhadhbi, Yassine Salhi.
Online Reporter