Overview:
However, he will have to do so minus one of his goal scorers Rwothomio who got injured while midfielders Emmanuel Kulanga and James Jarieko are doubts.
Despite a disappointing draw with Nairobi United in the first leg at Hamz stadium, Nakivubo, NEC coach Hussein Mbalangu believes his side will still go through.
Cromwell Rwothomio and Paul Mucureezi scored for the hosts but were undone by a late goal from Kibwana to share spoils in a 2-2 draw that now hands Nairobi United the advantage heading into the second leg on Saturday.
Speaking to the media on Monday as the team regrouped, Mbalangu said it was important that his side didn’t lose.
“The draw isn’t the result we wanted but we are delighted we didn’t lose. We are happy because the game is still on,” said Mbalangu.
“It is going to be a different game. We have regrouped and we are setting up a strategy and game plan to win the game,” he added.
Asked where the main focus is after what we saw on Saturday, Mbalangu emphasized being clinical at either box.
“We have to defend well because we conceded avoidable goals and the focus is to improve on the players mentally and physically so that we don’t repeat those mistakes.
“When you look at the general play, we were better in all aspects of the game including creation of chances. We need to be clinical in front of goal and what they did to us; we can also do to them although I admit it will be difficult.
The mission according to Mbalangu is to eliminate their opponents and he promised that will happen.
“I promise we shall put up a good display, fight and we eliminate them.”
However, he will have to do so minus one of his goal scorers Rwothomio who got injured while midfielders Emmanuel Kulanga and James Jarieko are doubts.
The team leaves for Nairobi United by road on Monday evening and are expected to be in the Kenyan capital on Tuesday morning.
The return leg will be staged at Nyayo stadium with the aggregate winner progressing to the pre-group stages.