TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup: Coaches and captains preview Sunday’s deciding group matches
The final line-up of teams that will compete in the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup will be decided on Sunday, as the tournament enters its final round of group stage clashes with Match Day 6 fixtures.
Only three places remain for the knockout stages, while teams that have already qualified will aim at concluding the group stages at the top of their respective groups.
This is what some of the coaches and players had to say ahead of Sunday’s clashes.
Simba SC vs CS Constantine
Fadlu Davids - Simba SC Coach
“The battle for top spot continues tomorrow and we shall go all out for a win. We shall face the most high profile team in the group but we know what is at stake. There is always internal pressure to win at Simba. Despite our early qualification, we shall still pile pressure on our opponents to end the group stage on a high note. It’s sad that our fans won’t be allowed inside the stadium because such moments when a team is performing well, they deserve fans but we respect the decision by CAF”
Awesu Ally Awesu – Simba AC Player
“The value of this match is the same as the other matches played already. We don’t want to lose focus because the competition is getting interesting and all players know the targets of the club”
Madoui Kheiredinne - CS Constantine Coach
“All the talk is on the battle for top place but we want to play our best football tomorrow. My players are up to the task and know exactly what to do against this Simba team that is never easy to play here in Tanzania”
Melo Ndiaye – CS Constantine Player
“The current situation for both teams makes the match more important. We all have the same target to take top position but we also don’t want to end the group stage on a low note”
Al Masry vs Black Bulls FC
Ali Maher - Al Masry Coach
“We know a win will take us to the next round, so our fate is in our own hands. I’m satisfied with the way my players are performing in the past games, and I told them that they can win and write history for themselves. We respect our opponents, but we have one thing to play for which is to win. I call our supporters to come in numbers and stand behind the team till we celebrate together”.
Kareem Al Iraqi - Al Masry Player
We studied our opponents well and we know they are a good team, but we will give our best to win and secure qualification to the quarterfinals. The players are committed to win and we want to give our fans something to cheer at.
Custodio Gune - Black Bulls Coach
“We came to do our best and then wait to see the result of the other group game between Zamalek and Enyimba, and we hope the results go our way. We will do everything to get the result we need first. It will not be an easy match because our opponent is a good team, but we trust our players will give their best”.
Victor Junior - Black Bulls Player
“I think it will be a good game between two very good teams. We will fight because there is still a chance to qualify to the quarterfinals. We need a win and then see if the results go our way, but what is in our hands is to fight to win our match first”.
Asec Mimosas vs Orapa United
Gadimang Tiiso - Orapa United Coach
"Mathematically, we are eliminated but we will try to finish well against a good team from Côte d'Ivoire. The competition is a great experience for us. Already participating in this tournament has made us grow. We are really happy to be at this level. We have learned a lot for the future. For me, ASEC, technically and tactically, is the best team in our group. But it's good for us to finish well by beating this Asec team in Abidjan."
Ricky Ratlhogo - Orapa United Player
"It's a high-level competition. It's true, we are eliminated but our goal is to finish in style against ASEC and show that we are great players. Our state of mind is shape. We are strong in the head, and we will have a good match against ASEC Mimosas”
Julien Chevalier (Coach ASEC Mimosas)
“We have to do the work on this match. Above all, we must not be disturbed by what is happening on the other meeting but already try to do our job here. We must put all our strength and qualities to win this match. We will therefore roll up our sleeves and oush ourselves to seek victory. We are in an important moment”.
Zouzou Carlos (Captain ASEC)
We are focussed on the game. We try to motivate the group. We will have to win and wait for the result in Algeria. We are focussing on ourselves. We don't have our destiny in our hands. It's a decisive match, which must be won. We will therefore give ourselves the means to seek this victory. You will therefore see another face of ASEC tomorrow”.