Singida Black Stars head coach Papy Kimoto has warned his players against complacency as they prepare to host Tusker FC in Sunday's return leg, insisting that their first-leg advantage will not change their approach to the decisive encounter.
Kimoto acknowledged the advantage but warned his players against losing focus ahead of the return fixture in Dar es Salaam. The Tanzanian side will be looking to secure a positive result and progress in the competition.
"It's an advantage, but we also need to focus on the second leg," Kimoto said, stressing the importance of staying focused despite the first-leg result.
He added that the away goal would not influence his team's approach.
"We need to finish the game at home. The away goal doesn't change how we will approach the second leg against Tusker," he said.
Meanwhile, former Shabana FC forward Matthew Tegisi Momanyi has urged fans to turn out in large numbers in Dar es Salaam next week to support Tusker in the return fixture.
Momanyi's appeal comes as Tusker prepare for another demanding encounter against the Tanzanian side. The Kenyan club will be hoping to draw inspiration from their supporters as they seek to turn the tie around.
Tusker head coach Julien Alexandre Mette, meanwhile, remains confident his team can respond in the return leg despite the challenges they faced in the first encounter.
Mette acknowledged that Singida deserved their victory but said Tusker had also shown encouraging signs, particularly in possession.
He stressed the need for greater efficiency in attack, saying his side must improve its finishing to overturn the deficit.
The French tactician also cited a lack of experience at this level as one of Tusker's challenges, noting that the club has yet to reach the competition's group stage.