On Saturday, Red Arrows took an early advantage in the CAF Confederation Cup, beating Madagascar’s FC Rouge 2-0 in the first leg of the preliminary round at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Arrows broke the deadlock in the 39th minute when Eliya Mandanji rose to head home Ackim Mumba’s cross and give the Zambian side a 1-0 lead at half-time.

The hosts continued to press after the break and doubled their advantage in the 57th minute through Alassane Diarra, who unleashed a long-range effort that found the back of the net.

The visitors’ coach did not meet CAF’s licensing requirements to sit on the technical bench.

The head coach said his absence from the bench affected his team’s performance.

“At the beginning of this game, we prepared our team, but there was an administrative issue concerning my qualifications, so I could not sit on the bench. We played against a team that is used to this level, but everything is not yet done. We still have another 90 minutes,” Abdou Amara said.

“A good result” – Mbewe.

The result has excited Red Arrows coach Chisi Mbewe but admitted his side could have scored more goals.

“A good result, but a bit disappointed with the way we played. It was not our best. We missed a lot of chances and failed to convert,” Mbewe said.

He, however, believes the clean sheet and two-goal advantage give Arrows a strong platform heading into the second leg.

“Going into the second leg, it may be a bit difficult, but the most important thing is that we scored two goals and did not concede”

“We go back into training to ensure that we polish up our scoring. It will be a difficult game away, but the most important thing is that we play with confidence away and protect the two-goal lead,” Mbewe said.

READ ALSO : Mbewe Wants More from Red Arrows in CAF Confederation Cup.