Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf has expressed confidence that his side can complete the job in Tunisia after securing a narrow 1-0 victory over CS Sfaxien in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round tie in Abeokuta.
Sports247 reports that the Oluyole Warriors claimed a slender advantage in front of their home supporters, but Yusuf believes the margin could have been much wider after his players created enough opportunities to put the Tunisian giants under greater pressure.
“We won’t play the same way in Tunisia. We created enough chances and it could have been three,” Yusuf told journalists during the post-match press conference.
The experienced tactician acknowledged that his team missed opportunities to extend their advantage but remained positive about their chances ahead of the decisive return fixture.
“We created chances to score more goals but we ended up with a slim victory,” he said.
With CS Sfaxien expected to come out aggressively on home soil, Yusuf revealed that Shooting Stars will make tactical adjustments for the second leg, insisting his team will not approach the game in exactly the same manner.
“We are positive. We will change tactics, formation, and they will surely be on us. I am positive we will deliver in Tunisia,” the coach added.
Yusuf also pointed to the transformation within the team since his arrival, having only taken charge a few weeks ago. The coach referenced his previous continental experience with Rangers, where he guided the Enugu-based side against Egyptian giants Pyramids.
“I just stepped in a few weeks ago and you can see the transformation. I did it with Rangers against Pyramids in Egypt,” he stated.
For Shooting Stars, the encounter carries additional significance as the club makes its return to continental football after a 27-year absence.
Yusuf described the opportunity as a special one for the historic Nigerian club.
“It’s a great privilege to be back on the continent after 27 years,” he said.
Shooting Stars will now travel to Tunisia with a narrow advantage, knowing that another disciplined performance could secure their passage into the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
