CAF Confederation Cup: Bayelsa United Promise to Outshine “How Mine” FC
By Oladunjoye Opeyemi
Bayelsa United have vowed to end the CAF Confederation Cup run of Zimbabwe’s How Mine this weekend in The clubs’ clash in Sapele, Delta on Saturday with the hosts promising to “thrash” the visitors and secure a play-offs spot.
How Mine came from behind last weekend to win the first leg of the last-16 tie 2-1 with Menard Mupera snatching a stoppage-time winner from a spot-kick in a disappointing game for the Nigerians, who took an early second half lead through Bernard Okorowanta only for Morris Kadzola to level on the hour in Bulawayo.
2009 semi-finalists Bayelsa, however, remain favourites to advance with a 1-0 home win sufficient under the away-goal rule.
“Bayelsa will thrash How Mine,” coach Richard Bubagha said,“We know their strengths and weaknesses and are working on them.”
Perhaps, the perceived strength of the Zimbabweans lies in striker Kudakwashe Musharu, who is also the leading scorer with six goals in the second-tier African cup competition this season. But after netting in the four previous CAF matches, he was shackled by Bayelsa and failed to increase his tally.
Musharu acknowledges his key role in Nigeria, saying he must get back on the goal trail if the Zimbabweans are to survive.
“Scoring an away goal is critical if we are to win the tie,” the 27-year-old marksman told the Zimbabwean media. “The first priority is to contain Bayelsa for 30 minutes and then snatch a goal to unsettle them. I scored a vital away goal in the previous round in the Seychelles and believe I can repeat the feat in Nigeria.”
While it would be a shock if Bayelsa failed to make the play-offs against the CAF Champions League last-16 losers, fellow Nigerians Warri Wolves are facing elimination after a goalless home draw with 2013 semi-finalists CA Bizertin put them on the back foot as Tunisian clubs seldom slip up at home.
