Zambia’s Zanaco FC will look to make the most of home advantage when they host Malian Cup champions Binga FC in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup play-off tie on Sunday.
Zanaco dropped to Confederation Cup after being eliminated from CAF Champions League by Al Merreikh of Sudan at second preliminary stage.
Binga, who are making their first appearance in the CAF Competition, advanced to the playoff round after eliminating ASFA Yannenga by whipping them 7-6 on post match penalties.
This is the first-time Zanaco will face Malian opposition since making their continental debut in 2002.
The Bankers are returning to Confederation Cup for the first time since in the 2019/20 season when they made their quarterfinal debut in continental competition.
Zanaco will go into the match on the back of a vital 1-0 win over Kafue Celtic in the Zambian Super League.
Zanaco midfielder Kelvin Kapumbu says they are all aware of the threaded posed by the little-know Malian side who surprised many on the road to play-offs.
“We are shaping up well for this Sunday’s fixture. We are ready and we want to win. Our main focus now is playing Binga and making it through to the group stage then from there aim to reach the finals,” Kapumbu told the club website.
“The previous games we have played have been part of the preparations and winning against Celtic is a boost for us.”
Binga beat MC Breweries of Liberia and ASFA Yennenga Burkina Faso in the preliminary and first round to earn the right to face Zanaco.
It’s worth noting that due to lack of finances, Binga had to travel by road in a mini bus to fulfill the away fixtures in Liberia and Burkina Faso.
The second-leg match between the two sides is slated for 5th December away at Stade Modibo Keita Stadium Bamako.
