Tusker set to throw everything at Zamalek as they hope to overturn home defeat
Kenyan’s representatives in the Africa Champions League Tusker FC shall be angling to do the “impossible” by eliminating Egyptian aristocrats Zamalek from the continental campaign in Alexandria today.
Anything short of a 2-0 win for Tusker will see them being ejected from the money-spinning Africa competition.
A 1-0 win would see them go to extra time and later post match penalties to determine the winner, but if Zamalek are allowed to score a goal, it would mean that Tusker will have to score at least three goals.
Granted, Tusker FC have a mountain to climb in their quest for a first ever place in the events group stages after suffering a 1-0 loss at the hands of Zamalek at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi during the first leg encounter last Saturday.
Moroccan winger Achraf Benharki’s goal in the 47th minute handed Zamalek, who are fondly known as the White Knights, the victory in Nairobi that sets them up nicely for the reverse fixture.
And once again, it is Banharki, a menace in Tusker defence during the first leg clash, who shall need tight police making if the ale men are to make a breakthrough in the competition.
Zamalek coach Patrice Carteron was pleased with the first leg result but said the job is not yet done.
“Our ambition was to come here and to try win by at least 1-0 which we did. I think we should have scored more goals with the chances we had but all in all I love the victory.
It was a tough game because Tusker also showed they are a great side. They are very organized and worked hard and showed they are champions of Kenya,” said Carteron.
His opposite number Robert Matano said his team played with their feet on the brakes, saying they gave Zamalek too much respect.
“I think we played with a lot of fear especially in the first half when we could not even string two or three passes like we always do.
