How Mine’s tough call

Sport
That is how How Mine survived a scare in the Seychelles on Saturday to progress to the second round of the Caf Confederation Cup after a 6-4 aggregate win.

SCORING a handful of goals at home is just a master stroke!

FORTUNE MBELE SPORTS REPORTER That is how How Mine survived a scare in the Seychelles on Saturday to progress to the second round of the Caf Confederation Cup after a 6-4 aggregate win.

Having won 5-1 at home last Saturday, they were 3-0 down within 45 minutes, leaving the islanders needing just one goal to sail through, but had Kuda Musharu to thank for that priceless goal in the 57th minute that took the scoreline to 3-1 and relative safety.

In the past three games, How Mine coach Philani “Beefy” Ncube has been good on reading the game coming from the breather and that solitary goal by Musharu saved the day.

They held on until the end of the match, but they would be the first to admit things will be tougher in the second round where they meet Nigeria’s Bayelsa United FC who beat AS Kondzo of Congo Brazzaville 2-0 at home in the second leg of the first round on Saturday.

The two sides had played a goalless draw in Congo in the first leg on February 28 and the Nigerians are through to the second round on a 2-0 goal aggregate.

In the preliminary round, it was almost the same feat as How Mine went into the first half leading 1-0 against Chuoni FC of Zanzibar at Barbourfields Stadium, only to score three goals and make it 4-0.

In Zanzibar, Chuoni managed to hold them to a 1-1 draw for 80 minutes until Musharu scored the winner 10 minutes before the final whistle.

Chuoni had scored first at home in the 10th minute.

As Ncube, has always said each game has its own strategy, tactics and personnel; maybe it’s time he revisited his notes when he faces the Nigerian side, if How Mine’s dreams of making it to the group stages are to come true.

Ncube could recall the experienced central defender Hebert Dick, who has decided to give the youngsters a chance to shine in the Confederation Cup. On their return from the Seychelles, How Mine need to organise a friendly match and correct some of their mistakes, especially in defence.

It will not be easy for How Mine against the Nigerians as the lucrative group stages beckon and they certainly have a job on their hands.