Otohô plot measured push through Group C as coach Seck warns of fine margins

AS Otohô coach Sekou Seck says his side will accept the challenge of a demanding TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup Group C and lean into the reality that the margins are fine at this stage of the competition.

The Congolese club return to the group phase knowing there are no soft fixtures and that progress will depend on consistency at home and resilience on the road.

Seck’s immediate message to players and supporters is one of respect for the field, calm preparation and belief that qualification remains attainable.

Reflecting on the draw, the Otohô boss began by acknowledging the occasion. “First, I want to say thank you,” he said, before adding that the club “followed the draw with great interest.”

Seck said the identity of their opponents underlined the step up that awaits. “We saw the group; we saw the teams we will face. It’s true that this is not something easy—let’s be honest,” he noted.

“Everyone who reaches this level has quality. It means they have proved things to be here.”

Group C pairs CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Stellenbosch FC (South Africa), AS Otohô (Congo) and Singida Black Stars (Tanzania).

Two matchdays will be played before the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 pause, with the group resuming in late January and concluding in mid-February.

With travel to Algeria, South Africa and Tanzania ahead, Seck framed the assignment as a privilege earned. “We are already among the 16 best clubs,” he said.

“If we are among the 16 best, it means our opponents are, too.”

His tone remained measured but optimistic: Otohô, regulars in CAF interclub football in recent seasons, have shown they can compete in hostile environments, and their home dates in Owando will be critical.

The coach’s closing appeal reflected that balance of gratitude and resolve.

“We recognise the challenge, and we will prepare for it,” he said. “Now it’s about proving ourselves on the pitch.”

Otohô’s schedule

• MD1 – 23 Nov 2025: Stellenbosch FC v AS Otohô

• MD2 – 30 Nov 2025: AS Otohô v CR Belouizdad

• MD3 – 25 Jan 2026: Singida Black Stars v AS Otohô

• MD4 – 1 Feb 2026: AS Otohô v Singida Black Stars

• MD5 – 8 Feb 2026: AS Otohô v Stellenbosch FC

• MD6 – 15 Feb 2026: CR Belouizdad v AS Otohô