Simba Bhora coach Joel Luphahla has issued a stern challenge to his squad, demanding they become more clinical in front of goal ahead of their decisive Caf Champions League preliminary-round second leg against Nsingizini Hotspurs this Sunday in Eswatini. The Zimbabwean side holds a precarious 1-0 lead from the first leg, a margin that Luphahla believes could have been much wider.
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The solitary goal, a header from Ishmael Nyanhi, was the only difference between the two teams in the first leg played in Francistown, Botswana. However, the scoreline failed to reflect the numerous chances Simba Bhora squandered, a missed opportunity that now looms over the team as they head into the crucial second leg. Luphahla’s concern is palpable, as he recognizes the potential of the Nsingizini team, who despite being in their pre-season, showed flashes of brilliance that could easily turn the tie on its head.
Despite his anxiety about the team's finishing, Luphahla is confident in his squad's ability to handle the pressure, banking on their remarkable away form this season. Simba Bhora has shown a knack for dominating on the road, with seven wins and only three losses in 14 away matches. “I know we can play under pressure. We’ve been doing very well away from home, so we can bank on that,” he stated.
While the first leg was a frustrating display of missed chances, Luphahla sees a silver lining in the fact that his team was able to create so many opportunities. "When you play and your team doesn’t score goals, you get worried. But when you create opportunities, you can be confident that on a good day, you can put those chances away," he said. He emphasized that the team will focus on improving their composure to secure the victory.
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