RED Arrows’ last run in the Confederation Cup saw them agonisingly close to reaching the group stage, only to bow out after a 4-2 aggregate defeat to Simba SC in the third round.
Arrows enjoyed a decent run in that campaign, beginning with a 2-1 aggregate victory over Eswatini side Young Buffaloes to advance to the second round, where they faced Angolan giants Primeiro de Agosto.
The Airmen edged Primeiro de Agosto 1-0 on aggregate to set up a date with another regional powerhouse in Tanzania’s Simba SC.
However, the tie was virtually settled in the first leg after Arrows suffered a 3-0 defeat to Simba. A 2-1 victory in the return leg was not enough to keep the Zambian side in the competition.
This season, Arrows have been handed another opportunity to make it to the lucrative group stage.
Their first assignment will be to overcome Madagascar outfit FC Rouge over two legs, with the first leg scheduled for Saturday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Should they sail past Rouge, the assignment will get even tougher, with South African giants Kaizer Chiefs standing between Arrows and a place in the group stage.
Could this finally be the season Arrows make the breakthrough?
Coach Chisi Mbewe believes they have what it takes.
“Going into this game [against Rouge], we have to ensure we fight so that we progress to the next stage,” Mbewe told reporters on Friday.
Mathews Kabamba
