Chrispine Erambo believes Tusker FC can use their hard-fought qualification for the second preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup as a springboard for a deeper run in the competition.
The 21-year-old midfielder scored the decisive goal in Tusker’s 1-0 win over Al Ahli Wad Madani at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, sending the Brewers through 3-2 on aggregate.
Tusker had surrendered a two-goal advantage in the first-leg 2-2 draw in Kigali, Rwanda, but recovered to edge the Sudanese side at home.
The experience has provided important lessons ahead of their next assignment against Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.
“I’m grateful to God for the victory, but this is only the beginning for us,” Erambo said. “We have qualified for the next round and now we want to prepare well and see how far we can go in this competition.”
The midfielder said the first leg exposed the need for greater concentration after taking control of a tie.
“We learnt a lot from the first leg because we lost concentration after taking the lead,” he said. “This time we knew we had to remain together, defend as a team and keep fighting until the end.”
Erambo’s goal was his moment in the tie, but he was quick to shift the focus to the team’s progress and the role of experienced players in helping Tusker’s emerging talent.
“The goal was important, but what matters most is that the team has qualified,” he said. “We have experienced players helping the young players and everyone is pushing in the same direction.”
The challenge now gets tougher against Singida, but Erambo believes Tusker can compete if they improve on their performance against Al Ahli.
“Singida will be a tough opponent and we know we have to improve before those matches,” he said. “We will respect them, but we also believe in ourselves and we want to compete at that level.”
Coach Julien Mette was encouraged by the response of his players, particularly their discipline after the disappointment in Kigali.
“What pleased me most was the discipline of the team,” Mette said. “We knew we had to be patient, protect our advantage and avoid making the same mistakes we made in the first leg.”
Mette also praised Collins Ochieng, whose assist created Erambo’s winning goal, saying the youngster showed maturity beyond his years.
“Collins showed maturity beyond his age,” Mette said. “He gave us energy, he worked for the team and the assist was excellent. That is exactly what we want from these young players.”
Mette sees the blend of youth and experience as central to Tusker’s progress, with players such as Abud Omar, John Orient and Victor Mbaoma expected to guide the younger members of the squad.
The coach also believes the domestic campaign will help Tusker prepare for Singida by giving the players regular competitive action.
“We have time to study Singida, improve our fitness and work on the details that can decide a two-legged tie,” he said.
Mette expects the Tanzanian side to start as favourites but believes Tusker can challenge them with proper preparation.
“They will be the favourites, but football gives you opportunities if you prepare properly,” he said.
