The two teams go into today’s tie having played a 2-2 draw in Mozambique two weeks ago, with Takesure Chinyama scoring a brace for Dynamos, while Stelio Enesio and Luiz Vaz were on target for Liga Muculmana.
The experienced defender’s absence further handicaps Dynamos’ defence, which is already missing the services of centre back Guthrie Zhokinyu, who is serving a four-match suspension that was slapped on him by CAF.
Dynamos head coach, Callisto Pasuwa confirmed Kutyauripo and the two Zambians, Arthur Kaseloka and Derrick Kabwe’s absence from today’s game.
“Kutyauripo has failed to recover to play a part in this game. He will be replaced by Thomas Magorimbo on the right back position. We would have wanted him to be part of the team because of his experience, but there is nothing we can do about it.
“The two Zambians (Kabwe and Kaseloka) will also not be playing because they are still to get their work permits,” he said.
Pasuwa, however, expressed confidence of stream rolling past the Mozambican side to go all the way to the group phase of the competition.
“They are an organised team and are very mobile. They also like to knock the ball around so we just hope to catch them on the break,” Pasuwa said.
Pasuwa hopes gangling striker Chinyama keeps his form with Denvar Mukamba also coming in to support.Combative midfieldfer, Leo Kurauzvione will provide the grit in the midfield while Washington Arubi’s safe hands will also come in handy in goal.
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Liga Muculmana assistant coach Daúde Razaque admitted that it was going to be difficult to beat Dynamos at Rufaro.
“The game is going to be very difficult for us since we allowed Dynamos to score two goals in Mozambique. However, we can win the tie since we need just one goal without a reply to progress,” he said.
“We have done our homework on Dynamos and realised that they rely too much on their big striker (Chinyama). I think we now have a solution on how to contain him.
“Though our homeground does not have artificial turf, I do not think our players will be affected by Rufaro. Our biggest stadium back home also has an artificial turf.”
The Mozambican side does not have much experience on the African Safari, as they bowed out in the preliminary round of the competition last year.They have in their ranks three players who turn out for the Mozambican national team in midfielders Telinho, Carlitos and Mohmed Hadgy.
Meanwhile, morale is high in DeMbare’s camp after the club paid all the players their oustanding dues.
Sponsor, BancABC, also promised to up their winning bonuses from US$300 if they win today’s encounter.
