adminMugove Chigada in Mahajanga, Madagascar
HARARE City defensive midfielder Tendai Samanja has warned his teammates not to allow their Caf Confederation Cup first round opponents Zanaco of Zambia to score an away goal as they did in the preliminary stage against AS Adema of Madagascar. Harare City beat AS Adema 3-1 at Rabemananjara Stadium in the city of Mahajanga on Sunday to qualify for the first round of the Caf Confederation Cup 6-3 on aggregate.
The Sunshine Boys had taken a 3-2 lead to Madagascar, leaving the home side needing a 1-0 score line to go through.
Samanja said the 6-3 aggregate score does not truly reflect the pressure they faced on Sunday. “The goal they scored first in the first half was enough for them to go through, so you can imagine the pressure we were under.
“Even when we scored the equaliser, it still meant another goal from them to make it 2-1 would have taken them through. “We had to dig deep and even after scoring thew second goal, we still needed an insurance goal and I’m happy we did the job well,” said Samanja.
The defensive midfielder partnered Edwin Madhananga and James Jam in midfield, with Jam playing in a more advanced role.
Although it was meant to be a defensive approach to the game, Harare City were extremely offensive with Ronald Chitiyo and Raphael Manuvire on the flanks, while Francisco Zekumbawira was the target man.
Kuda Kumwala replaced Zekumbawira after the former Hwange and Dynamos striker sustained an injury in the 37th minute. Samanja, Madhananga and Jam made play practically impossible for the quick AS Adema side, forcing them to resort to counter attacks.
Having watched their countrymen CNAPS Sport dismiss Gor Mahia of Kenya 1-0 in the Caf Champions league the previous day, As Adema were left dejected after the game.
Online Reporter