Both teams need all three points on Sunday when Mali's Djoliba AC hosts Sagrada Esperança of Angola in Bamako for a Group D clash in the CAF Champions League. In a group that contains North African giants Espérance of Tunisia and Egypt's Pyramids FC, it is necessary for both clubs to collect maximum points against each other to challenge the two big clubs for qualification to the quarterfinals.
Djoliba AC
Djoliba achieved a decent result last weekend against Pyramids FC, a 0-0 draw at home, but it appears that the Bamako club benefited from an illness that weakened their opponents before the match. Les Rouges have yet to score a goal and were thrashed 4-0 in Tunisia by Espérance in the first Group D match, leaving plenty of room for improvement. However, coach Demba Mamadou Traore's team recovered with a victory in domestic league play and appear to be the favorites on Sunday.
There is the possibility that one goal may decide the match and Djoliba perhaps have the goalkeeping advantage with 24-year-old Youssouf Koïta who served as the backup for Mali during their successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification. A strong defense will serve as the foundation for Djoliba who continue to deal with injuries in the attack including Zoumana Simpara who has yet to return after over a month off the pitch.
Sagrada
The Angolan club, who sacked their previous manager after a disastrous 5-1 defeat to Pyramids FC in their opening Champions League match, restored some stability by holding Espérance to a 0-0 draw at home. However this is not a good time to learn a new system and there were no signs that Sagrada may be capable of creating goals at this level. Current coach Moniz Frank understands what's at stake on Sunday and put on a brave face of confidence that Os Diamantíferos can get the victory.
Similarly to Djoliba, the defense is where the strength of Sagrada lies. Alexandre Abel and Luis Tati are experienced fullbacks while central defender Lulas and goalkeeper Nsesane have each represented the Angola national team in competitions like the African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the COSAFA Cup. The reality is that scoring multiple goals appears to be a slim possibility at this level with a disappointing offensive output in both domestic and continental competition.
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