Red Arrows completed a stunning double over Madagascan side FC Rouge with a commanding 2-0 victory in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex in Mauritius on Sunday.
The Airmen produced a mature and controlled display to complete a 4-0 aggregate victory, following their 2-0 triumph in the first leg in Ndola, to book their place in the second round of the continental competition against Kaizer Chiefs of South Africa.
Ackim Mumba was the difference maker, scoring in either half to put the tie beyond FC Rouge and underline Red Arrows’ superiority across the two legs. With a two goal cushion to protect, Red Arrows showed little inclination to simply sit on their advantage.
The Zambian side started on the front foot, moving the ball confidently and looking to exploit spaces behind the Malagasy defence. FC Rouge goalkeeper Tsilavintisoa Randrianaivo was called into action early, denying Munda Phiri from distance before producing another save from an effort following a freekick awarded after Phiri was brought down on the edge of the box.
But the pressure eventually told. On 23 minutes, Munda delivered a dangerous ball into the area and Mumba was on hand to apply the finishing touch, calmly converting from close range to give the Airmen the lead.
The goal further settled Red Arrows, who continued to control proceedings and looked more threatening side going forward. Allasane Diarra tested Randrianaivo with a fierce low drive while Munda came close again before half time, with his close range effort blocked and diverted behind for a corner.
FC Rouge entered the interval needing a response but it was Red Arrows who returned from the break with greater intent. Diarra was presented with a golden opportunity shortly after the restart when he found himself with the goalkeeper beaten but he was unable to add the finishing touch.
Eliya Mandanji then went close, his effort flashing against the side netting. The second goal, however, was only a matter of time. On 55 minutes, Mumba produced a moment of individual quality, finding space outside the box before unleashing a superb strike into the right hand corner of the net.
It was a goal worthy of effectively settling the tie and one that sparked celebrations on the Red Arrows bench and among the travelling Zambian contingent and those based in Port Louis.
At 2 – 0 on the night and 4- 0 on aggregate, Red Arrows shifted into calm mode, controlling the tempo while remaining organised without the ball.
FC Rouge tried to force their way back into the contest and came close in the 61 minute but defender Michee Malonga produced an important intervention to prevent Abrahama Juliot’s effort from troubling the Red Arrows goal.
Red Arrows head coach Chisi Mbewe responded by refreshing his side, introducing John Pweto for Mandanji before making a triple substitution later in the half, with Godfrey Ngwenya, Moela Libamba and Saddam Phiri replacing Alassane Diarra, Ackim Mumba and Munda Phiri.
The changes helped the Airmen see out the remainder of the contest with composure. There was a late injury concern for Libamba, who was forced off in added time and replaced by Lazarus Chishimba while Malonga also received treatment following a collision.
But there would be no late drama as after three minutes of added time, the referee brought proceedings to an end, confirming another impressive continental victory for the Airmen to set a celebration night in India Ocean Island.
And Chisi Mbewe is of the view that the result was as because of a disciplined team performance, particularly the Airmen’s ability to remain composed after taking the lead and playing according to the script as well as managing the game intelligently once the aggregate advantage became unassailable.
The victory sends Red Arrows into the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup, where they will face South African’s Kaizer Chiefs.
