By Ime Bassey
Coach of Sunshine Stars of Akure, Gbenga Ogunbote has disclosed that he is not going to underrate his Malian opponent (Djoliba) in today's return leg of the CAF Champions League round of 16 at the Dipo Dina International Stadium in Ijebu Ode.
Ogunbote told Sunday Vanguard Sports that his team will pick the ticket to play in the group stage of the competition as his wards will punish their Malian opponents after understudying them during the first leg of the encounter which ended 1-1.
He also noted that his team would replicate their feat against Recreativo de Libolo of Angola.
"It is another big test for my team and also in my coaching career. We earned a draw and scored an away goal in the first leg. The result does not mean they (Djoliba) are a push over, so we are not going to underrate them on Sunday.
"We know they will be coming out to play their life out but my players are ready to punish them. Against all odds in our first game against Recreativo, we needed to score three and we did. This game will be tough but I am optimistic the team will qualify for the group stage on Sunday," Ogunbote said.
Meanwhile, Ogunbote warned clubs in the league that his team are still in contention for the NPL title, adding that the title is still open and Sunshine Stars stand a chance of coming tops.
"The league is still open and the best team will win it. It is not over until it is over. We are still in contention for the title. We have some outstanding matches to play and if we pick good results from those matches, then we are close to the title," he added.
Vanguard Nigeria