AS Maniema Union coach Papy Kimoto, known for his tactics and colourful quotes, was at his vintage best in Kinshasa on Friday afternoon.
In a pre-match press conference, he declared Saturday’s CAF Champions League Group B match against Mamelodi Sundowns at Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa a semifinal. Kimoto said his charges would treat the game against the South African champions seriously while gunning for a first win in the group, having drawn thrice and lost once.
"We have not been eliminated yet. Tomorrow's match will be a semifinal for us, and then we will have to prepare well for the final against Raja Casablanca in their backyard," he told the press.
Maniema Union frustrated Sundowns to a goalless draw in Pretoria in their previous meeting, a result that in the long run contributed to then coach Mangoba Mngqthi’s loss of his job. The Congolese club are still in contention to reach the quarterfinals with two points separating them from second placed Sundowns.
Portuguese mentor Miguel Cardoso replaced Mngqithi, suffering his first defeat in charge in a 1-0 to Raja Casablanca in Morocco last week. Sundowns are currently three points behind leaders AS FAR Rabat, who will clash with Raja in a later match on Saturday.
Comments