Akwa United midfielder Kelly Kester has said he and his teammates are optimistic of advancing to the round-robin group stage of the 2018 CAF Confederation Cup when they face Al Hilal in the second leg of their playoff tie.

The Sudanese giants defeated the ‘Promise Keepers’ 2-0 in Omdurman in the first leg, just over a week ago, and ahead of the second leg clash in Uyo tomorrow (Wednesday), Kester told www.busybuddiesng.com that Akwa United are capable of cancelling the deficit to progress to the group stage of the competition.

“We are going into the game with every belief and confidence that we will win very well and qualify,” the former Enyimba man said. “We are very ready for the game.”

Kester also dismissed suggestions that his side’s unimpressive home record in the competition could be their undoing.

Abdu Maikaba’s men have won only one of their 3 home matches in the competition, losing twice in the process.

“In the past, Akwa United have not won any match on the continent at home but we won this year. Also in the past, Akwa United have not gone beyond the first round of the competition but we did that this year.

“So I think this is the season to change everything and gradually we are doing that.

“I believe we can do it and go into the group stage (of the CAF Confederation Cup),” he said.

The match between Akwa United and Al Hilal of Sudan is slated for 4pm on Wednesday at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium in Uyo.