By Mubukwanu Kaingu
Chisi Mbewe believes they can overturn Saturday’s 2-0 home loss to TP Mazembe at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola and still qualify for the group stage of the 2024/2025 CAF Champions League.
Arrows must beat Mazembe by three unanswered goals this Saturday in Lubumbashi to advance for the first time ever.
Mbewe said during Saturday’s post-match interview at Levy Stadium that Arrows’ only shortcomings in the home game against Mazembe was their lack of clinical finishing.
“I think we just need to remind them that we have lost but we are not yet out so the most important thing is we need to rise as quickly as possible,” Mbewe said.
“And we need to ensure that when we go Mazembe we go there and fight when we score just two goals it is game on it is not going to be easy.
“We just need to fight. It is a disappointing result but we just need to rise up and fight in Lubumbashi.”
Arrows dominated the first 25 minutes of the game but a lack of quality finishing from striker Ricky Banda and midfielder Godfrey Ngwenya saw them punished by Mazembe.
Both of Mazembe’s goals came after an hour of action through goals from Oscar Tshikomb in the 64th minute and Ngalamulume Bato in the 72 minute.
Meanwhile, Mazembe coach Lamine Ndiaye said his team was just one foot into the group text.
Ndiaye added that he was particularly happy that Mazembe had won the game in their first competitive game of the season before even kicking the ball in domestic competition.
“We are happy with the result but it will not be easy in the return leg. We know it will not be easy in Lubumbashi but this result has pushed us closer to qualification to the next round of the competition,” Ndiaye said.
