In their second Group B match in the ongoing 2024 CECAFA tournament at the Azam Sports Complex in Tanzania, Sudan’s Al Hilal humiliated Red Arrows, the reigning Zambian Super League champions, 5-0.
Arrows opened the tournament with a 1-0 victory against Kenyan giants Gor Mahia before their match against Al Hilal.
The Zambian champions are using the competition as a warm-up for the next campaign and their matchup with FCB Nyasa Big Bullets of Malawi in the CAF Champions League.
Coach Chisi Mbewe responded to the loss by saying that it was due to their inability to follow their regular game plan when playing the Sudanese.
Mbewe added that in spite of the embarrassing defeat, his team made great strides in their preseason training in advance of the next campaign.
“I think a very disappointing result for us this evening but again as we earlier alluded when we came here, we want to balance our pre-season preparation plus these games I think we looked a bit heavy in today’s game”
Mbewe, who secured a season double with Arrows, clarified that his team gave Al Hilal the opportunity to score what he considered to be simple goals.
“I think so far so good I would say 5/10 I think the way we are preparing like I mentioned earlier we gave them some load even coming into this game and that’s why they looked a bit heavy so far so good in terms of pre-season preparation despite this defeat,” concluded Mbewe.
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In the meantime, in order to secure a berth in the East African competition’s semifinals, Arrows must defeat Djibouti Telecom FC on Tuesday at the KSM Stadium.
