Loto Popo’s assistant coach, Abdoulaye Ouzérou, has spoken about the team’s chances of qualifying for the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup as they face Moroccan side FUS Rabat in the preliminary round. The Beninese technician believes that the challenge is not “insurmountable.”
As the reigning vice-champions of Benin, Loto Popo will take on Moroccan club FUS Rabat in the preliminary round of the CAF Confederation Cup. The draw, which took place in Cairo, Egypt, placed the Loto Boys against an opponent that had a strong season, finishing third in the Botola 1 (Moroccan top-flight league).
While it is indeed a daunting challenge for the Beninese team, Abdoulaye Ouzérou doesn’t consider it impossible. Like his counterparts, the assistant coach of the National Lottery of Benin’s club has reacted to this double confrontation against the Moroccan team. “It’s not insurmountable. I think FUS Rabat is also a team that is not necessarily in African competitions every year. In Morocco, we know the four teams that have been regularly participating in African competitions for the past ten years. They are Berkane, FAR, Wydad, and Raja. FUS Rabat had a very good season, finishing third. But honestly, we shouldn’t approach the match with fear,” the technician said, as reported by Toundé Aliou from TALENT+ SPORTS.
As the champions of Benin in 2021, Loto Popo has never advanced past the preliminary rounds of CAF competitions, being eliminated in the first round for the past three years. Undoubtedly, this might be a tough challenge against FUS Rabat, who are considered favorites for the ultimate victory. However, Abdoulaye Ouzérou does not intend to surrender without a fight.
“In matches like this, if you approach them with fear, you’ll struggle. We need to be liberated. We are not the favorites, and from that moment on, we have to play with great freedom and maintain the same objectives: to advance to the next round. So, we’re working hard for that, hoping to create a surprise, knowing that we’ll play the first leg there and receive them in the return leg. The idea is to keep all our chances. We shouldn’t exhaust ourselves in the first leg and end up playing a second leg with no major stakes,” he added.
As a reminder, the first leg matches of this CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round will take place on August 18, 19, and 20, 2023. The second leg matches will be held on August 25, 26, and 27.
