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The Harambee Stars midfielder belives his Armenian side have prepared well for the must-win second leg encounter against Greek club Aris
Harambee Stars midfielder Amos Nondi is counting on good preparations to help his Armenian side Ararat-Armenia make it to the group stages of the UEFA Conference League on Thursday.
Ararat-Armenia face Greek side Aris FC in the second leg of their second qualifying match away with both teams tied 1-1 and must win to advance to the group stages.
Nondi feels poor finishing let them down in the first leg when they would have completed the job but they have to rise to the occasion and get the result that they need.
“When we played at home, the game was not bad but if we had used our chances, we would have scored many goals. About tomorrow’s (Thursday) match, the only team that will have prepared well will take the game,” said Nondi during the pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“We have prepared well, we have played only one official game, this is the second one and it is how we have prepared that will matter tomorrow.”
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10:00 - 06.06.2023
STARS ABROAD Amos Nondi and Alwyn Tera on target as Ararat edge a seven-goal thriller in Armenian top flight
The Harambee Stars players played a vital part for the two-time Armenian champions big win on Monday
Ararat-Armenia coach Vardan Minasyan feels his side struggled to get going in the first leg because they were playing an unfamiliar opponent but learned valuable lessons that they are taking to the return match.
“We knew little about this team but after the first game, we know them much better because official and friendly matches are quite different,” said Minasyan.
“They are high quality players and we will try minimise their strengths and utlise their weaknesses. We cannot give them space and time because it will be difficult for us.”
The two-time Armenian champions beat Egnatia from Albania 4-2 on post-match penalties, after a 5-5 aggregate draw, in the Conference League first qualifying round, to set up the meeting with Aris.
Nondi has been one of their key players since he joined the side in January as a free agent after leaving Georgian side Dila Gori last December.
He signed a two-year contract, teaming up with compatriot Alwyn Tera, who has been at the club since July 2021.
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