MBABANE – Green Mamba captain Mthunzi Mkhontfo believes they have what it takes to overturn a 2-0 deficit against Primeiro de Agosto and keep their CAF Confederation Cup campaign alive.
The Matsapha based side suffered a two goal defeat in the first leg at Somhlolo National Stadium on Saturday, leaving themselves with a mountain to climb in Friday’s return leg in Angola.
However, Mkhontfo insists the tie is far from over.
Speaking during the team’s send off briefing at Sigwaca House yesterday, the captain said the players had analysed their mistakes from the first encounter and were ready to fight for a positive result.
“We played in the first leg, sat down and rectified our mistakes. We have to put in more effort,” said Mkhontfo.
“A 2-0 deficit is not an impossible margin. We can overturn that. It is entirely possible to score those goals. We can score three. We are ready.”
Mkhontfo’s confidence comes as Green Mamba prepare for a demanding second leg, with the team scheduled to leave for Angola this morning.
Coach Mthunzi Ginindza, however, confirmed that the side will be without three key players for the encounter.
Banele ‘Pupu’ Sikhondze, Njabulo ‘D4D’ Magagula and Sabelo ‘Sikhali’ Ndzinisa have all been ruled out.
Sikhondze and Magagula sustained knocks during the first leg, while Ndzinisa is unavailable through illness.
Despite the absences, Ginindza believes the players available for selection can deliver.
“As Green Mamba, the players are ready for Friday’s encounter. Having played the first leg, we saw how they conceded those early goals and we know which players will win this game for us,” said Ginindza.
“We are proud that our squad is fit and we know how to tackle the second leg. We will ensure the Eswatini flag flies high.”
The team will travel with 18 players as part of a 30 member delegation, with logistics and operations official Mandla Sibiya confirming that departure is scheduled between 5:30am and 7am
The second leg will be played in Angola on Friday at 3pm, with Green Mamba needing to win by at least three clear goals to overturn the first leg result outright.
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