Shooting Stars Sports Club have departed Nigeria for Tunisia as they step up preparations for the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie against CS Sfaxien.
The Oluyole Warriors head into the decisive encounter holding a slender 1-0 advantage from the first leg, which was played in Abeokuta.
The Nigerian side secured the crucial victory through a first-leg goal from Lucky Emmanuel, giving Shooting Stars a narrow lead to protect when the two sides meet again in Tunisia.
Following the opening-leg success, the Ibadan-based club returned home and intensified preparations, including training under floodlights, before beginning their journey to Tunisia.
Sports247 reports that the team’s departure marks the next phase of their continental campaign as they seek to complete the job and advance to the next round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
However, the slim advantage leaves little room for complacency, particularly against a CS Sfaxien side that will have home support behind them.
Shooting Stars head coach Salisu Yusuf has already indicated that his team will not approach the second leg in the same manner as the first encounter. The experienced coach stressed the need for tactical adjustments, having seen his side create several opportunities in the opening fixture.
The Oluyole Warriors will therefore need discipline, concentration and an improved tactical performance if they are to protect their advantage and secure progression.
For Shooting Stars, the continental assignment also carries historical significance. The club returned to continental football after a long absence and have already made a positive start by defeating one of Tunisia’s established clubs in the first leg.
The players will now be expected to maintain their composure in what promises to be a challenging atmosphere in Tunisia.
With just one goal separating the two teams, the second leg remains finely poised. Shooting Stars know that a draw would be enough to take them through, while a defeat by a single goal would potentially force the tie into a decisive outcome depending on the competition regulations.
The Oluyole Warriors will be hoping their preparations in Nigeria have equipped them for the challenge as they pursue another memorable night on the African continent.
