El-Kanemi Warriors head coach Emmanuel King has urged his players to remain focused and complete the job in the second leg after their impressive 3-0 victory over UDIB of Guinea-Bissau in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup first preliminary round.
The Maiduguri-based side produced a commanding performance at home, putting themselves in a strong position ahead of the return fixture with a three-goal advantage.
Sports247 reports that despite the convincing result, King was quick to play down any suggestion that the tie had already been decided, insisting that El-Kanemi Warriors still have work to do before they can celebrate qualification.
“We have not arrived at that point; we are still participating,” King told journalists after the match.
The coach praised his players for their efforts and stressed the importance of converting opportunities into goals, a factor that ultimately proved decisive against the Guinean side.
“The players have done well. In football, the goals count and we have done so,” he added.
El-Kanemi Warriors will now take their commanding advantage into the second leg, knowing that another disciplined performance could secure their passage into the next round of the continental competition.
King, however, is already looking beyond the comfortable first-leg margin and has called on everyone connected with the club to unite behind the team as preparations begin for the return fixture.
“We need to rally round to finish up in the second leg to make the fans smile,” the coach said.
The 3-0 victory represents a significant step for El-Kanemi Warriors in their continental campaign, but King’s message is clear: the tie is not over.
With qualification still to be secured, the Maiduguri outfit will be looking to protect their advantage, maintain concentration and deliver another positive result in the second leg as they chase a place in the next stage of the CAF Confederation Cup.
