This archive report was first published on 29 October 2019.
On Sunday night, Bandari coach Bernard Mwalala witnessed firsthand the attacking prowess of Burkina Faso forward Aristide Bance, who scored a hat-trick to help Horoya, Guinea's champions, defeat the Kenyan side 4-2 in the first leg of the Caf Confederation Cup play-offs in Conakry.
Published on October 29, 2019, the match was a humbling experience for the Dockers, who now must score at least two goals in the return leg match in Nairobi next weekend to stand a chance of advancing to the money-spinning group stage of this continental cup.
According to Mwalala, the task is possible, but it will require a significant effort from his team. "We have not lost hope," he said in a phone interview from Conakry on Monday. "We played a very experienced team that has not lost at home for five years, but they are beatable. They (Horoya) directed all the balls to Bance. He doesn't make very many runs but is good at positioning and decision making. The only option is to try to contain his suppliers in Nairobi."
"We have not lost hope," said Mwalala on phone from Conakry on Monday.
Bandari's chances of advancing to the group stage were dealt a significant blow when they conceded the first goal of the match — a Bance header — in the opening minute, and then the second eight minutes later. However, Mwalala's charges fought their way back into the tie via goals from Abdalla Hassan and Yema Mwama.
But Horoya, bankrolled by France-based tycoon Antonio Souare, who has pumped in millions of dollars into the club in pursuit of African glory, fought back through goals from Bance, who has played for 22 clubs in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia and is best remembered for his heroics at the 2013 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
