• FOOTBALL

• Frank Rotich 6 days ago

Tusker FC keen to use home advantage against Singinda in first leg of CAF Confederation Cup tie

Tusker FC will be looking to turn home advantage into a crucial first-leg victory when they host Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars in the CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round at Nyayo National Stadium on Sunday.

The Brewers, who return to continental competition after a decade, face a significant test at 3pm as they seek to move closer to the group stage and restore their presence among Africa’s top club sides.

With the return fixture set for October 25 in Singida, Tanzania, Tusker will be keen to build a healthy advantage in front of their home supporters before travelling for the decisive second leg.

The Kenyan side heads into the encounter in encouraging form after recording a 2-0 victory over Ulinzi Stars in their latest league match. That result has provided a timely confidence boost ahead of a tie that could shape their continental campaign.

Tusker secured their place in the second preliminary round after overcoming Sudanese side Madani 3-2 on aggregate. Following a 2-2 draw away from home, the Brewers sealed qualification with a 1-0 win in the return leg, Chris Erambo scoring the decisive goal.

However, Singida will arrive with their own continental ambitions after an emphatic 7-1 aggregate victory over South Sudanese opponents Al-Ghazala in the previous round.

The Tanzanian outfit will be eager to recover from a 1-0 domestic defeat to Coastal Union, but their convincing performance in the opening round serves as a warning to Tusker that they cannot afford to underestimate their visitors.

Tusker coach Julien Mette has challenged his players to remain faithful to their style of play while approaching the match with the determination required to secure victory.

 “The plan is to win. To play good football, stick to our identity and hopefully qualify to the next round,” Mette said.

The coach acknowledged Singida’s financial strength and the quality of the Tanzanian league but believes the two sides are capable of competing at a similar level.

Tusker forward Erick Kapaito has also called for concentration, stressing that the team must make the most of playing at home.

Kapaito believes the recent victory over Ulinzi Stars can provide the momentum needed to deliver another positive performance.

With qualification to the lucrative group stage at stake, the Brewers will need to balance attacking ambition with defensive discipline against a side that has already demonstrated its ability to score goals in the competition.

The second leg will be played at Airtel Stadium in Singida on Sunday, October 25, with the winner on aggregate advancing to the group stage.