CAF CL - Babatunde: Wydad has ability to stop Esperance
Nigerian-import Michael Babatunde remains confident that Moroccan side Wydad Athletic Club can ride their luck and wrestle the Total CAF Champions League trophy away from holders Esperance despite last Friday’s pulsating 1-1 draw in Rabat. Wydad, formed 82 years ago, are seeking a third title following successes recorded in the 1992 and 2017 editions. Eight years ago, Wydad were denied after losing 1-0 in the final to Esperance in front of their home fans but hopeful Babatunde says it would be a payback time against the Tunisian giants this term.
“We consider the CAF Champions League match against Esperance as an important derby for us at Wydad,” the experienced Babatunde who has previously played for Wydad’s rivals, Raja Club Athletic and featured for clubs in Ukraine and Qatar told CAFOnline.com“We know how strong Esperance can be; and they have shown that in this year’s campaign as the defending champions. “We have a strong desire to win the double this year, Botola (Moroccan top flight league) and the CAF Champions League trophy.”Currently Wydad’s top scorer with eight goals in the domestic league, Babatunde adds that he is motivated to add to his one goal tally in the ongoing Total CAF Champions League, and nothing would be joyful than to be among the goals against Esperance in Friday’s crucial clash. “I have played in Europe and Asia but this period with Wydad represents one of the best moments of my career,” explained the former Heartland FC of Nigeria player.
“Though I have only scored a goal in the CAF Champions League, I’m the top scorer for Wydad in the Botola and I would be glad to score against Esperance in this crucial final.”Though Esperance have maintained an unbeaten run in this year’s tournament with many pundits already tipping them for an encore after they drew 1-1 away in Rabat, Babatunde said the Tunisians were not unstoppable.
“There is nothing impossible in football and if there’s any team that can stop Esperance, it’s Wydad and we will play with our hearts against Esperance. “We have a strong mentality going into the final and as a team, we work collectively.
“It will be a difficult match. It’s my prayer and hope to be among the goal scorers for Wydad for us to be crowned the champions at the end of the day,” he concluded.