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Pirates’ Ncikazi not getting carried away ahead of Tripoli clash

Orlando Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi has refused to read too much into the outcome of their first leg Confederation Cup semifinal tie with Libya giants Ahli Tripoli in the first leg.

Pirates won the match 2-0 courtesy of goals by Innocent Maela and Goodman Mosele. Still, Ncikazi says they are not one step into the Caf Confederation Cup final despite the comfortable lead.

“We are in a good position, yet dangerous. The opponents will be fighting to score early. We must be sensible on how we approach the match with caution while we plan at home, knowing the opponents will try to score early. It’s important that we score early and control the game; adapt to what the opponents might pose with their tall strikers and direct game,” said Ncikazi.

He believes being at home is important to play for a win. “We play at home. We must play to win; it’s important for our team to go to the final. We’re prepared, we’re adaptable, we want to impose ourselves on the team.”

The former Golden Arrows coach added that they would treat the game like a final. “I don’t want to jump the gun. Let’s play the match tomorrow [Sunday]. For me, the final is the one we are playing tomorrow. We’ll deal with the final after we’ve won. Our focus and energies are on the match; then we’ll deal with the next match after the result.”

“There is no final without playing the match. All energies must be put into the match. The idea is to win since we are playing at home.” Kickoff at Orlando Stadium is at 18:00.

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