CAPS United will need to be in sync with TP Mazembe’s fast paced style by chiefly using the wingers and the fullbacks.

Fullback, Hardlife Zvirekwi, who is tough-running, can pace up the pitch and cut inside from the middle third. This would allow Simba Nhivi acres of space to draw back without stepping on each other’s toes. Likewise, Ronald Pfumbidzai, who can also execute deadly runs from the defensive deep, will likely find it viable to play interchanging passes with Phineas Bamusi on the left, cutting inside on the middle third and opting to execute the deadly pass, rather than running the full length of the pitch and opting to cross.

Cutting inside, rather than executing the traditional full overlap to opt for a cross, is an option for CAPS United who don’t boast of height in the centre forward position. On the counter, Nhivi who has a fairer height, occupies the right attack and Bamusi on the left is no taller than Ronald Chitiyo and Dominic Chungwa who often run into the area to wait for the cross.

They do not have tall forwards to head the ball.

The long and short of it is; in the absence of Leonard Tsipa – who was not registered for the CAF champions league – there is no point in multiple incessant runs which end up with crosses which do not find the correct height inside the area.

Cutting inside, they can make use of their more agile strengths such as the slick deadly short silk passing and movement of Chitiyo, Moses Muchenje, Cabby Kamhapa and Devon Chafa.

They can make up for the absence of Tsipa’s height advantage by utilising this advantage.

CAPS United also need the right dose of aggression. Having this aggressive, robust expression as opposed to the more infirm approach will build more determination in them to sail through.

Having short heights does not mean the average strength of CAPS United is not physic. They can still capitalise on the strength of their full backs – who have to work with wingers to avoid confusion – to propel the attacks on the wings.