Dikwena were pegged back by their Ivory Coast-based hosts in the first leg at Stade Robert Champroux in Abidjan yesterday, with Kevin Zougoula opening the scoring from the penalty spot before Tanda grabbed their second eight minutes from the end.
And despite the defeat, which Johnson feels included a controversial penalty awarded against his side for an apparent handball by Isaac Nhlapo, the coach is not yet ready to bring the curtain down on their continental campaign.
“I thought the penalty the referee gave was very cheap. I could blow for a penalty like that as well,” Johnson said on his club’s official website.
“We have to thank AS Tanda for giving us a good game. I think in South Africa [in the second leg] we have a nice chance to come back. The second goal we didn’t do too well. We will fix all our errors and we will come back. We will give them a good game in South Africa.
“AS Tanda is a good team. They like to play long balls. They always play to number 9 and number 10. They hold the ball well and they are quick but I think in South Africa we will be able to contain them and we will give them a good game.”
The return fixture takes place at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium this coming Sunday, although Dikwena are first in action on Thursday as they take on Absa Premiership title chasers Cape Town City at the same venue.