CAF CL: We are the underdogs in group A – Zesco United

Zesco United Chief Executive Officer Justin Mumba has described the CAF champions league draw as fair for Zesco.

Mumba stated that his team go into the group stage as underdogs but were ready to pull a surprise.

Mumba shrugged off the threat of record champions Al Ahly stating that he was happy to meet the team that narrowly edged Zesco in the 2011 campaign with a goaless draw in Ndola while the return match in Egypt ended 1 – 0.

Below are the reactions from the Group A teams;

Justin Mumba (Chief Executive Officer, Zesco United)

The draw is fair. We are happy to be in the same group with Al Ahly (Egypt). We are not convinced the last time we played them. We are the underdogs in the group and we will pull up a surprise. It is the second time we are in the group phase after 2009. We come back with a lot of experience. We have a team that can conquer.

Sayed Abdel Hafez (Team Manager, Al Ahly)

The group is fairly balanced. We will take each match one after the other. It appears a bit dicey to play the first match and the last match away from home. To be the best, you have to play all the tough teams. We will play all games with the same mentality. We will start thinking about the CAF Champions League after the next matches in the Egyptian Premier League.

Mohamed Talal (Media Officer, Wydad Athletic Club)

The group is tough, especially having Al Ahly in the same group. Wydad are in our best times. We are the Moroccan reigning Moroccan champions. We are also the last Moroccan club to reach the final of the CAF Champions League (in 2011) and we are keen to repeat it. We are favourites in the group with Ahly.

Benoit You (Chief Executive, ASEC Mimosas)

It is a very good draw, and we are happy that we are finally in the CAF Champions League after some years absence. We will be fighting for the one of the two spots in the semi-finals. The two groups are very balanced.