Debutants Bo Rangers will be hoping to build from their first-leg draw and stun their host at the Stade du 8-Mai-1945 in Algeria in their CAF Champions League second-leg preliminary on Saturday.
A win for Sierra Leone champions will see them progress to the next stage of this year’s CAF Champions League.
Bo Rangers will be without defender Abu Bakarr Samura aka Lucio, due to injury. Head coach Alhaji Foray will welcome Abu Bakarr Bangura, fondly called ‘Nasri’, back into the squad, having missed two training sessions due to illness.
Coach Alhaji Foray insists he is not feeling any extra pressure ahead of their decider taking on the Algerian Champions CR Belouizbad at the Setif stadium.
When asked whether he is feeling the heat ahead of Saturday’s clash, he said, “Not at all. The lads are here to get the business done. I’m looking forward to being involved and showing what we are capable of, as our expectations are high. The lads are mentally and physically prepared,” he affirms.
Both teams will meet for the second time following their goalless draw in the first leg. Asked whether the Rangers are the favourite to win, Foray added: “No. That would be disrespectful to the host, but I am optimistic that we will prevail.
On Abu Bakarr Samura’s absence
“Samura is a vital player, no coach will be happy to miss any of his key players, but it is what it is. I have 24 players at my disposal. So, those who are mentally and physically ready will play.
He, however, called on Sierra Leoneans to rally behind the team.
The aggregate winner of CR Belouizdad and Rangers over two legs will face the winner between Deportivo Mongomo Equatorial Guinean football club and Djoliba Athletic Club Malian football in the second round in October.
Meanwhile, the Algerian side has won three of their last four matches this season, including the draw against their CAF Champions League draw with Bo Rangers last Saturday.
By Martin Wusha in Algeria – Connect with us @football_sierra – on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and National News.
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