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Ricky Zililo in Ndola, Zambia
CHICKEN Inn coach Joey Antipas believes today’s match against Tanzanian giants Azam FC will be a real test considering that the East Africans are halfway through their season.

Both teams drew their opening matches of the four team tournament on Wednesday with Azam getting a late equaliser in their game against hosts Zesco while Chicken Inn held another Zambian side Zanaco to a 2-2 draw.

Against Zesco, the East Africans kept pushing the hosts having conceded an early goal scored by Kenyan Jese Were and they were rewarded for their persistency in injury time when David Mwankita headed in a Farrid Mussa corner.

Antipas said they have to work on defending set-pieces as his side conceded directly from a freekick.

“I believe every game is to be won and we’re going to do our best to win against Azam who I believe will give us a real test. Remember our Caf Champions League opponents Mamelodi Sundowns are halfway through their season so Azam will probably give us the right test,” said Antipas.

Mafero is likely to change the team which started against Zanaco and might give a rare start to Guide Goddard who came in as a second half substitute, replacing Tafadzwa Kutinyu in the 80th minute when the team was trailing 1-2 and stabilised the midfield.

Goddard was behind Chicken Inn’s second goal which was scored by Obidiah Tarumbwa in the 82nd minute. Defensive midfielder Brian Juru scored Gamecock’ first goal in the first half and could make way for Goddard this afternoon.

Bhekimpilo Ncube could also start ahead of George Majika who has a minor back injury with newly signed attacking midfielder Physwell Madhazi returning to the starting lineup.

Goalkeeper Pride Zendera will start ahead of 19-year-old Wandile “Koro” Ndlovu with Passmore Bernard starting on the right side of defence.

Captain Moses Jackson will partner Ben Nyahunzvi in central defence while either Devine Lunga or Brian Mbiriri can be thrown into the left back.

The Gamecocks will rely on the creativity of Tafadzwa Kutinyu, Ncube and Madhazi while Tarumbwa and Mitchelle Katsvairo will lead their attack.

Fixtures

Today: Chicken Inn v Azam (1PM), Zesco v Zanaco (3PM)