FC MUZA, Zambia's representative in the CAF Confederation Cup, is poised for an intriguing showdown this afternoon against Congo Brazzaville's second-most successful domestic club, the Diables Noirs. Founded in 2007, FC MUZA has evolved into a formidable underdog in the domestic league. After their return to the top tier last season, they shook the football landscape with impressive victories against league giants. Their remarkable journey culminated in reaching the Absa Cup final and securing a second-place finish in the league, with Power Dynamos clinching the title. In their CAF competition debut, FC MUZA now stands just two games away from reaching the coveted group stage, which promises a significant financial boost for the club. Under the ownership of Lusaka's prominent lawyer, Keith Mweemba, this could be a game-changer for them. But their path to the group stage begins with a crucial clash at Heroes Stadium today against Diables Noirs. Founded in 1949, Diables Noirs boasts an impressive domestic record with 7 league titles. However, they have struggled to make their mark in continental football, failing to reach the group stage in any CAF competition. This places them on level ground with newcomers FC MUZA, setting the stage for an intriguing encounter. Speaking in a pre-match interview, FC MUZA's coach, Mathews Ndhlovu, exudes confidence in his team's ability to secure victory in today's CAF Confederations Championship – First Leg qualification match. He envisions progress to the next round over the two-legged tie, praising the team's rigorous preparation. Club Captain Kelvin Mwanza echoes this positivity, emphasizing the team's awareness of the challenging task ahead. On the other side, Diables Noirs' Head Coach, Noel Tosi, acknowledges the difficulty in overcoming FC MUZA, recognizing them as a formidable opponent. Kick-off: 15:00.