Red Arrows opened their CAF Confederation Cup campaign on a winning note after defeating Madagascar’s FC Rouge 2-0 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Saturday.
The Airmen controlled much of the first half and created several promising opportunities before eventually breaking the deadlock in the 39th minute. Ackim Mumba was at the heart of the attack, delivering a delightful cross into the box for Eliya Mundanji, who made no mistake with a well-directed header to put Red Arrows 1-0 ahead.
The hosts had threatened several times before finding the breakthrough. Mumba’s free-kick forced the FC Rouge goalkeeper into a spill, although no Arrows player was able to react quickly enough to capitalise on the rebound. Mundanji also came close after cutting inside and firing from distance, while Alassane Diarra narrowly missed with a header from another Mumba delivery.
Red Arrows continued to push for a second goal before half-time, with Brian Chilimina and Paul Katema both missing good opportunities as the Airmen piled pressure on the Malagasy visitors. Despite those missed chances, Chisi Mbewe’s side went into the interval with a deserved one-goal advantage.
The hosts continued their dominance after the restart and doubled their lead in the 57th minute through Alassane Diarra. The goal gave Red Arrows a comfortable cushion and further rewarded their control of the contest.
Mbewe made changes as the match progressed, introducing Munda Phiri and Lazarous Chishimba for Saddam Yusuf Phiri and Godfrey Ngwenya. Red Arrows continued to look dangerous, with Peter Kalota forcing another intervention from the FC Rouge goalkeeper with a dangerous free-kick.
Further changes followed in the 72nd minute as Mundanji and Mumba made way for John Kanyembo Pweto and Joseph Phiri. Red Arrows remained the more threatening side, particularly when attacking on the counter.
Diarra came close to adding a third in the 77th minute after racing through on goal and attempting to chip the advancing goalkeeper, but the FC Rouge shot-stopper produced an excellent save to tip the effort over the bar.
Red Arrows ultimately held on to secure a 2-0 victory, giving the Airmen a strong start to their CAF Confederation Cup campaign and a valuable advantage heading into the return leg in Madagascar.
Red Arrows 2-0 FC Rouge
⚽ 39′ Eliya Mundanji
⚽ 57′ Alassane Diarra
