Congolese club AS Maniema Union have performed admirably so far in the 2024-25 CAF Champions League and are looking for their first victory on Saturday in Kinshasa against Group B foes AS FAR of Morocco. It will be a difficult task for the hosts, on two points from two matches, against the Group B leaders who have one victory and one draw so far.
AS Maniema Union
Maniema Union gained invaluable confidence from their two draws, one at home against Raja CA and the second in South Africa against Mamelodi Sundowns. Now the task that awaits is to impose themselves in their home matches against a club that anticipates difficulties in the hot conditions. Head coach Papy Kimoto highlighted the task of finding goals and to put the pressure on AS FAR early rather than letting the visitors get comfortable.
The defense continues to perform admirably for Maniema Union. Brunel Efonge was outstanding at Mamelodi Sundowns while fullbacks Exaucia Moanda (left) and Abedi Bokomboli (right) are providing strong resistance to attacks from the flanks. Central defenders Osee Ndombele and Dieumerci Lupini were both rewarded for their performances with calls to the DR Congo team for African Nations Championship qualifying. Striker Japhte Kitambala is a good target forward to hold the ball up and Maniema supporters are hoping he can find the goal on Saturday.
AS FAR
For the Royal Army club from Morocco, coach Hubert Velud is taking the challenge of Maniema Union very seriously: "...we respect them a lot, they have played two good matches and so have we. So it could be a very tight and very contested match." Under Velud, the fortunes of AS FAR are improving both domestically and in the Champions League due to strong organization and gradual improvement in the attack.
Leading the attack is playmaker Amine Zouhzouh who continues to develop into a star for AS FAR as the most consistent attacker. Forward Youssef El Fahli has numerous experience in CAF club competitions and Congolese striker Joël Beya indicated his eagerness to contribute upon visiting his native country. The defense has not allowed more than one goal in a match since early October but still remains without reliable goalkeeper Ayoub El Khayati on Saturday.
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