Kenya’s representatives to the CAF Confederation Cup Bandari are optimistic of edging out Tunisian outfit US Ben Guerdane and claim a group stage playoff berth.

Bandari holds 2-0 lead over US Ben Guerdane and only need to successfully navigate the tricky part of the fixture away from home. With the second meanest defence in the Kenyan Premier League (KPL) for the past four seasons, Bandari hope to keep their opponents at bay and guard their lead.

Coach Bernard Mwalala will lock the game and prevent their hosts from scoring at all costs. The tactician is encouraged by the solid defence his charges have displayed in recent games.

“We are a unit and it shows from how we defend. Out there we are going to be brave and avoid stage-fright. That can scuttle our game plan so I’ll need the confidence of my players to stay high. The system is already in them so I’m not worried but the hostility in North Africa can undo what we have worked on for so long. It is imperative to keep our heads cool and not react to their provocations and theatrics,” Mwalala said

Bandari took lessons from Gor Mahia’s run in the Carthage, the recent of which is a 4-1 loss to USM Alger of Algeria. Skipper Felly Mulumba disclosed that Bandari has been working on defensive drills that can help them stem the tide against attacking opposition.

“We know this fixture has got more to do with how we are going to defend away. We will be under pressure to close out the tie but our opponents will also be under pressure to score and get back in the game. So we have to balance our game. We must defend well and also take our opportunities when they come,” he said.

Bandari will rely on their wingers Abdalla Hassan and Shaban Kenga to engineer counterattacks with Ugandan William Wadri and Yema Mwana applying pressure from the centre.