NKANA were exempted from the preliminary round and joins the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup in the first round phase. They are negotiations their way to the next stage against the Algerian side CR Belouizdad , after enjoying immunity in the earlier stage.
CR Belouizdad progressed to the first round of the Caf Confederation Cup with a 3-1 aggregate against Onze Creatures of Mali.
This will be a dicey encounter for both teams and CR Belouizdad has already had a feel of the competition and will have the advantage, worse more playing at home. For Nkana, the approach will be to keep possession and avoid conceding, while also hitting their opponents at the break. As expected, Nkana should have an easy task in the game. But should they open up in this encounter then Belouizdad will have a daunting task.
They are a dominant side at home and their record of only four wins in their last 22 games in the Algerian League one isn’t even an advantage for Nkana. They have drawn a lot of games (12) and are good at crafting chances.
Nkana should be weary of the Algerian team and should maintain their composure with a hope of netting an away goal, which would be very important even if they don’t get a win.
Nkana’s talisman Walter, looks focused after the failed move to Algeria and he will be favorite to start on a very competitive front line. He will be expected to be tied cum his partner Ronald Kampamba but Iddriss Mbombo has very good experience at this level; while Festus Mbewe has been good in the pre-season. That’s the puzzle Beston Chambeshi will face to pick his front line.
It should be remembered that CR Belouizdad dispatched off Onze Créateurs of Mali 2–0 in the previous round and that was the last CAF fixture for the Algerian team. Bouchar and Lakroum scorers of the goals in that encounter are available in this encounter and Nkana should brace themselves for a hive evening.
Going into the first round, Nkana will have to keep momentum and be at their best to beat a much tougher Algerian opponents in CR Belouizdad .
The game in Algeria will be played 18:00hrs Zambian time.
The 16 winners of the first round advance to the play-off round, where they are joined by the 16 losers of the Champions League first round.
Prediction
A very difficult encounter for Nkana and much will depend on how Beston Chambeshi approaches this game. My thoughts is if he goes all in attacking mode, Nkana will lose this game. Nkana needs to protect what they have even before the game starts. They need that draw to get back to Nana stadium after 10 days.
Prediction : CR Belouizdad 2-1 Nkana
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