NEWS
TP Mazembe coach expects Royal AM’s onslaught
TP Mazembe coach Pamphile Mihayo says he expects Royal AM’s onslaught in the CAF Confederation Cup match in Durban next Wednesday.
Mihayo described Royal AM as an adventurous bunch capable of hurting the visitors in the second-round, second-leg match.
“Even if we won, the opponent was not easy. They are a lively and enterprising team. We are preparing to battle hard in Durban with a precise game-plan,” he told Mazembe website.
The Congolese giants beat Royal AM 2-0 with goals from Ernest Luzolo and Rainford Kabala on Sunday.
The coach said finishing was the difference between his team and the Durban-based opposition.
“They had the ball and got the chances. The opposing team did not not succeed and we seized the opportunity to make the difference,” Mihayo added.
The Mazembe coach also explained the reason he brought in the ageless Zambian forward Kabala and others.
“Any player entering the pitch receives special instructions. I asked Beya to be closer and play around Bossu,” he added.
“In the 3-5-2 system, there was enough space on the side of Issama, a midfielder or one of the two centre forwards. We were at home and we opted for this approach.”
Mihayo has since said players such as Kabala deserves a starting berth in the away match.
“I asked the players to give their all to deserve a place. Those who are returning will have to work hard to get their places back,” he said.
He also reserved special praise for defender Serge Mukoko for controlling the first-leg game in Lubumbashi.
“Serge Mukoko is an advanced libero capable of making runs that relieves the pressure off the defence. He did it against Royal. He is improving and gaining confidence,” he said.
The winner between Royal and Mazembe will advance to the round-of-16 of the second-tier continental competition.
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