Bandari FC coach Bernard Mwalala is confident the team has the pedigree to progress to the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup despite the dour barren draw with Sudanese side Al Ahly Shandy in the first leg match at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani at the weekend.

Mwalala told the club’s faithful and local football fans not to read too much in the result in Nairobi, saying there is still a lot to play for in the return match in Shandy city on August 21.

The tactician conceded that Bandari was not at its usual self in Nairobi but observed that scoring goals away may as well serve as a turning point for his team.

“I can tell you with confidence that if we score first in Shandy, qualification to the next round will be ours to lose since we will be buoyed by the away goal rule. On the other hand, we must be extremely cautions not to allow Al Ahly Shandy to score since that will mean we be forced to chase the game,” said Mwalala.

On the flip side, Mwalala criticised his team for a pale show in the first leg and observed that it was the first time his players failed to create meaningful chances ever since he started coaching the team. “My players struggled in front of goal and that is hardly the way to try to muster a win against a team of Al Shandy’s calibre,” he noted.

Before facing Al Ahly Shandy in the decider, Bandari will take on Kenyan champions Gor Mahia on August 18 in Nairobi in a league match that will serve to give them the right exposure.

As Bandari were restricted to a barren draw, Gor settled for a similar result with hosts Aigle Noir of Burundi in the first leg of the Africa Champions League in Bujumbura. 

K’Ogalo must win at home in the return match in Kasarani on August 25 to progress at the expense of Aigle Noir. A scoring draw will see the Burundi outfit through courtesy of the away goals rule.

Deprived of key players by injuries, suspensions and other logistical challenges, Gor played tactically against Aigle Noir who are making their maiden appearance in Africa inter-clubs competitions. Coach Steven Polack deployed new signing David Mapigano between the sticks and the Tanzanian justified his selection by keeping Gor into the game with fantastic second half saves.

Full backs Geoffrey Ochieng’ and Wellington Ochieng’ held their own against a determined home team while Josh Onyango and Charles Momanyi were imperious in central defence.