The Brewers arrived in Dar es Salam and had training on Friday night. Photo: Screen Grab.

Tusker FC have intensified their preparations in Dar es Salaam as they look to overturn their first-leg defeat against Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars and secure a place in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

The Brewers held their first training session last night at KMC Stadium training ground ahead of Sunday’s decisive encounter, with head coach Julien Mette insisting his players have the right mentality to deliver when it matters most.

Mette described the short trip from Kenya as smooth, allowing the team to rest before completing their first training session on Tanzanian soil.

“I think the players have a good mindset. They have some regrets, and some of them are angry with themselves. That is the right mindset to take revenge on Sunday,” Mette said.

Mette during the first leg. The French tactician noted that the players are ready to deliver. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

The French tactician wants his charges to approach the return leg like a final, knowing victory could take them into the group stage. A 1-0 win would force a penalty shootout, according to the coach.

Tusker will also be keen to correct the mistakes that cost them in Nairobi last Sunday. Five minutes into the second half, Singida substitute Jeancy Mboma collected Ahmed Pipino’s cross before attempting a delivery that slipped past goalkeeper Ndinga and found the net.

What appeared to be a cross turned into a costly goal, handing the Tanzanian side a vital advantage.

Mette expects Singida to maintain their direct approach, using their pace on the wings rather than relying on long spells of possession. He has urged his players to be more aggressive in the final third and pay close attention to the opening minutes.

“The first minutes will be decisive. If we enter the game well, we may pin them in their own box. If we lose the first ball or the first duel, they may take the lead early,” he added.

Tusker skipper Abud Omar extends a hand of support to Singida's player during the first leg clash. Photo: Kennedy Mutunga.

Assistant captain Tom Teka echoed his coach’s confidence, insisting the team had recovered mentally from the first-leg disappointment.

“First of all, we are coming here as winners. We are not coming here as losers. We are coming to play our hearts out,” Teka said.

He added that the players were motivated by the opportunity to make history, particularly on an away trip against unfamiliar opposition.

With qualification at stake, Tusker must now turn their determination into a disciplined performance. In Dar es Salaam, one mistake could prove costly, but one good result could open the door to the group stage.