CAF CL: Plateau United FC will not underate Stade Mandji , Fidelis Illechukwu assures
Ahead of Sunday’s CAF Champions League first preliminary round second leg clash against Aso Mandji of Gabon , Plateau United FC Technical Adviser Fidelis Illechukwu has assured his team will not underrate the visitors despite the first leg result .
Plateau United FC secured a 2-2 draw in Gabon last weekend and will kickoff the return leg in Abuja , Nigeria knowing at least a goalless draw or 1-1 result will be enough to secure progression to the next round .
Coach Fidelis Illechukwu will not allow the result of the first leg in Franceville affect how his team prepares for the game on September 18 .
In a chat with the teams media officer Albert Dakub , Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu says the team is not underrating its opponents as they eye a place in the second round of the preliminary stage of the CAF Champions League .
Ilechukwu made this disclosure at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja venue for the game after his teams training session .
He said ” Since we returned, we have been talking to ourselves because, it is an important game for me. ”
” As a Coach, I don’t want to write our opponents off due to the fact that we pick a draw at their backyard. This is football and both sides have fifty-fifty chance to progress. ” Illechukwu stated .
For the former MFM and Heartland FC manager , the experience in Gabon last Saturday, has helped him know see his sides strength and weaknesses which they are working hard on in preparation ahead of the weekend clash.
Illechukwu expressed optimism that the team will come out victorious at the end of the encounter on Sunday but the fans have a role to play .
Illechukwu wants a full house at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja to cheer the lads to victory so has appealed to soccer loving Nigerians to pray and come out en mass to support Plateau United FC.
The aggregate winner of the Plateau United vs Stade Mandji tie will face Tunisian giants , Esperence who were drawn Bye in the first round of the competition.
Plateau United FC finished 2nd in the 2021/2022 NPFL season to qualify for the 2022/2023 CAF Champions League campaign alongside league champions Rivers United FC .
