ZIMBABWEAN champions Gunners are just 90 minutes away from a clash against six-time African champions Al Ahly of Egypt on the weekend of March 19-21. Gunners however still have some unfinished business with Zanzibar side Mafunzo FC who they meet in the second leg of their preliminary qualifier at Rufaro Stadium this afternoon. They carry a vital 2-1 lead from the first leg that was played in Tanzania two weeks ago.
Al Ahly have a rich history in the competition and have been very dominant especially in the last decade during which they have won the cup four times — in 2001, 2005, 2006 and 2008.
Boasting stars like Mohamed Aboutrika, Ahmed Hassan and Mohamed Barakat in their line-up the Red Devils of Cairo will be favourites, in any match in the continental club competition.
Gunners coach Darlington Dodo told the Standardsport that his team would not get carried away and would start plotting Al Ahly’s downfall after dispatching Mafunzo.
“At the moment we have put one foot into the first round qualifier and on Sunday (today) we would like to put both feet into the next round,” Dodo said.
“After we overcome Mafunzo then we can start to prepare for Al Ahly in our next game.
“Although we carry an advantage from the first leg we still need to keep it tight at the back against Mafunzo.
“We will be cautious and also still play a positive game relying on counter- attacks on the break.
“If we remain positive our chances are very bright and then we can start to worry about Al Ahly.”
Dodo’s opposite number at Mafunzo Shaaban Ramadhan was unfazed by the prospect of having to play Al Ahly in the first round.
“If we are able to beat Gunners I will not be afraid to meet Al Ahly in the next round,” Ramadhan said.
“They are like any other team and someone has to play them. It will be unfortunate because it will be us who have to play them if we get past Gunners.”
The former Zanzibar international also had praises for Gunners and said it would be difficult for his team to snatch an unlikely away win and sneak into the next round.
“It is going to be very tough for us because they beat us at home and for my team to beat them here will be hard,” Ramadhan said.
“I saw them play in the first leg and they have a very good team which is strong in all departments.
“In general all Zimbabwean teams are very good because I remember I once came here when I used to play for Zanzibar Navy to face Caps United.
“It was at that same Rufaro and Caps had a good striker called Shaky (the late Tauro) and they beat us convincingly. I cannot even remember the score line.”
Gunners will be without regular captain Trymore Mtisi who is out injured. Reigning Soccer Star of the Year Ramson Zhuwawo will lead the team today.
Scorers from the first leg Norman Maroto and David Rediyoni are also expected to feature prominently in this fixture together with dribbling wizard Ali Sadiki.
Meanwhile Caps United play Mbabane Highlanders at Somhlolo National Stadium in another Confederation Cup hoping to progress to the first round. Makepekepe beat Highlanders 1-0 in the first leg at Rufaro Stadium a fortnight ago.

Gunners squad:
Tafadzwa Dube, Tsungi Mudzamiri, Daniel Veremu, Qard Amin, Norman Togara, Tinashe Malunga, Arnold Chaka, Elvis Meleka, Carrington Nyadombo, Charles Makuruva, Ali Sadiki, Ramson Zhuwawo, Willard Katsande, David Rediyoni, Mudiwa Mususa, Nathan Ziwini, Norman Maroto,Tongai Magwendere

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