Mette urges Tusker focus for Al Ahli Madani clash

Despite a strong start for Tusker in the first leg played in Kigali, Rwanda last weekend, a lapse in concentration allowed the Sudanese to claw back two second-half goals, leaving the tie balanced on a razor-thin margin following the dramatic 2-2 draw.

Reflecting on the match during a training session at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, Mette pointed to tactical naivety as the main culprit for letting the lead slip.

“The players know where we failed. The lack of game management after going two goals up was due to the lack of experience since we have a young squad. Some were experiencing this level of competition for the very first time so it was also a bit emotional.

“The result after going two nil up was almost perfect but the game management wasn’t good. We got punished but a draw is still a bad result. We have done a video session, and training to try and correct the mistakes. With some change and more maturity, we will look to see what we have learnt,” said Mette.

The French tactician delivered a boost on the injury front, confirming a nearly clean bill of health. Midfielder Warsama Hassan is also set to return to the squad after missing the opening leg, offering crucial depth for the decisive clash.

Mette urged football lovers across the nation to rally behind the team, a sentiment strongly echoed by club captain Abud Omar, who emphasised the significance of home support.

“We played away so it was a difficult game. We went two goals up in the first half but unfortunately, they came away the better team in the second half. We have learnt our lesson and we will give it our all to win.

They always say ‘home sweet home’, so we will have the advantage. We are hoping the fans come in droves. Leave the club rivalry and come support us. This is Kenya versus Sudan, we are flying the country’s flag in this competition so their support is crucial. The fans motivate us when they show up, and this will definitely help us,” explained Abud.