Red Arrows Football Club’s campaign in the CAF Champions League has ended after a 2-1 defeat to TP Mazembe in the second leg of the second round in Lubumbashi on Saturday.

Despite their valiant efforts across both legs, the Airmen were unable to secure the aggregate win, bowing out on a 4-1 aggregate.

Throughout the two legged fixtures, Red Arrows displayed good football, showcasing their determination to procced to the next stage. However, tactical discipline in front of goal and occasional defensive lapses proved costly.

The team’s inability to capitalise on scoring opportunities ultimately sealed their fate. Head coach Chisi Mbewe has expressed his disappointment with the results stating that while the team performed well in open play yet without goals, there are crucial lessons to be learned from this experience.

“I think we were a better side in both legs (especially in Ndola) but we must improve on our tactical execution and defensive organisation while each player should be ready to come to the party at big stages such as this,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Brigadier General Hambulo, the Chief of Training, commended the team for their spirited performance despite the odds stacked against them.

He urged technical bench and players to address their shortcomings and refocus their efforts on the domestic competition which will pave the way for future success in continental stage.

The Chief of Training has since thanked the fans and Zambian football stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout Red Arrows’ Champions League campaign.

He said their backing has been crucial as the team looks to build on this experience and their subsequet strong return to Africa’s biggest football stage, the Caf Champions League.

The Airmen return to Lusaka on Sunday, 22 September 2024.