Nigeria champions Kano Pillars have expressed confidence that they will overturn a 3-1 loss at AS Vita of DR Congo to advance to the first round of the CAF Champions League.

“We will win the return leg match in Kano to move to the next round of the Champions League,” said Pillars chairman Abba Yola.

“We lost control of the match in the second half, but have no complaints about the reception we received from our hosts.”

On Sunday, Mubele put the hosts in front in the 11th minute, before Eagles midfielder Rabiu Ali drew Pillars level after half an hour.

The home team regained the lead for the second time in the game through Lusadisu in the 45th minute to end the first half 2-1 in their favour.

AS Vita extended their lead in the 56th minute, when Mabidi hit the target.

Pillars, who played most of the second half with 10 men after Bello Kofarmata was sent off in the 54th minute, will now need to score at least two goals without reply on Saturday when they host AS Vita in the return game.