Our Journey to Zamalek: Another Shot at a Reason to Smile

A lot has been said about our game against Al Masry, one which we should have won. The boys gave what they could, yet we still fell short of that victory. But like the Elephant, we will keep trudging on.

Despite our challenges, we have shown a positive attitude recently and our second half in Uyo on Sunday holds a lot promise for us. We have an uphill task against Zamalek in Egypt, that which is surmountable. It is football anyway.

We have had situations when we had our backs against the wall but we still found our way out to stand tall. In 2021, we were minutes away from leaving the competition if we did not beat Orlando Pirates in our last game, in front of our dear fans. In the dying moments of extra time, in the 95th minute to be precise, we scored, courtesy of a fine strike by Cyril Olisema.

That never say die spirit is what we should hold on to as we journey to Egypt to face Zamalek who have already qualified to the next round.

Our coach, Stanley Eguma has managed four games now and he has seen areas he needs to work on, at least on short term so as to prepare the team for the big day against Zamalek. He has had to improvise on occasions; like Innocent Gabriel playing in midfield. He will find an approach which will help us to absorb the pressure in Egypt and go for victory.

With Zamalek already through to the next round, they are no longer under pressure and it is an advantage for us. The players are aware of how big the challenge is and it is time to give it one last shot.

When we saw the draws, we knew it was not going to be easy. However, we are a club steeped in the history of CAF football competitions and have faced mountain-like obstacles which we surmounted. We have that strong mentality and it is what we should take into the game.

We should bannish the unpleasant memories of the last game and move ahead. Like it is said in football, it is not over until it is over.

We will go to Egypt, we will fight till the end and hopefully, we will have a reason to smile again.