Former MFM defender Yisa Anifowoshe reveals that Primeiro de Agosto of Angola want to change the narrative of African club competition this season after they edged out powerhouses, TP Mazembe in the Caf Champions League.
The Angolan league champions had the odds against them ahead of the return leg of the semi-final played at Stade TP Mazembe, Lubumbashi on Friday having been held to a goalless draw by the 2017 Caf Confederation Cup champions.
He said they returned to training almost immediately after the home draw and they tried to correct some of the mistakes noted by the technical crew from the first leg result.
“It was more than a war in Lubumbashi because we knew we were up against formidable opponents who are a household name in Africa but we wanted to change our own story too and I am delighted we succeeded,” Anifowoshe told Goal.
“We were fired up for the tie. We tried to get ourselves prepared very well before match day and we had worked on the errors noticed by the coaches. We took things easy and were certain of our goal which is to qualify for the semi-final of the Champions League for the first time for our club.
“We were not worried at all when they went ahead in the game. We kept to the game plan and kept on doing what we were told to do. It was no surprise to me when we got the leveler and we were able to hold on in spite of two penalties awarded them.”
He stated that their next goal is to give Esperance of Tunisia a good run for their money in the semi-final when they host the first on October 2 in Luanda before the deciding leg in Tunisia on October 23.
“We are not done with our target despite qualifying for the semi-final for the first time. We want to ensure we book a place in the final,” he added.
“It is possible with a good outcome at home before the second leg. We will begin preparations as soon as we return to Luanda. It will be massive for us to qualify for the final and we shall do everything possible to make the dream a reality.”
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