Guinean champions Horoya AC will look to break down a defensive-minded ES Sétif side from Algeria in Saturday’s Group B action at the 2021-22 CAF Champions League. After some initial struggles in their domestic campaign, Horoya are flying high with nine consecutive victories in Guinea’s Ligue 1 Pro and are now focused on achieving lofty goals in continental competition. ES Sétif are struggling to score in Algeria’s Ligue 1 Professionnelle but can count on a reliable defense that will make the Les Aigles Noirs difficult to break down.
Horoya will be glad to have a limited home crowd and the available option of playing at home following Guinea’s coup in September 2021. Manger Lamine N’Diaye stated his team’s goal of obtaining as many points as possible at home in the CAFCL, referencing Horoya’s struggles at times during last season’s campaign including a home 2-2 draw against South Africa’s Kaizer Chiefs that resulted in the team’s elimination at the group stage. Featuring a team composed of talent from all over West Africa, Horoya will be led by star Guinean playmaker Morlaye Sylla as well as potent striker Yakhouba Barry.
ES Sétif are sitting in a disappointing 5th place in domestic league play and have only scored 17 goals in as many games. However, last season’s Algeria Ligue 1 Professionnelle runners-up have only allowed 8 goals thanks to a formidable defense under Tunisian manager Nabil Kouki. Kouki will be dealing with several absences within his side including forward Riad Benayad and winger Abdelmounene Djabou. It will certainly be a tough ask for ES Sétif to come out with any points from their visit to Conakry, but Kouki will count on young central midfielders Ahmed Kendouci and Abderrahim Deghmoum, who are co-leaders on the club’s scoring chart.
