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Writer's pictureAndrew Olsson

CAFCL Preview: Stade d'Abidjan (CIV) vs Orlando Pirates (RSA)


Photo Credit: Stade d'Abidjan Officiel

Ivorian club Stade d'Abidjan have their backs to the wall in the CAF Champions League and need a positive result on Saturday against South African giants Orlando Pirates in Abidjan. Following two defeats in their first two matches, the hosts have no choice but to go for the victory if they have any aspirations of reaching the knockout stages. Orlando Pirates have big ambitions and will look for three precious points away from home against the weakest team in Group C.


Stade d'Abidjan



Former ASEC Mimosas and AS FAR midfielder Essis Aka is a source of experience and fortitude for Stade d'Abidjan.

While the results have not been there for Stade, this team has shown some ambition and were not afraid to push forward against North African giants Al Ahly and CR Belouizdad. Unfortunately their attacking ambition backfired in the opening match against Ahly with three goals conceded in the opening half hour while against CRB the story was poor shooting. Coach Alain Serges Douayéré, filling in on the sidelines for young Frenchman Alexandre Lafitte due to the lack of the proper CAF license, stated that Les Stadistes will continue their positive approach and correct the errors of the previous matches.


A statistical analysis of Stade d'Abidjan confirmed the adventurous style of play the Ivorian club employs. The most pedigreed player in the squad, former Ivorian national team member Roger Assalé, is joined by teammate Saint-Jean Kore in the list of top-5 dribblers in the competition. In addition, experienced midfielder Essis Aka continues to be a valuable presence on the ball and is a crucial link from defense to attack. The defense will need to be at its best on Saturday so that the attack can have space to thrive.


Orlando Pirates



Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng is back from reported "personal issues" and could make the difference in Abidjan. Photo Credit: Orlando Pirates Football Club

A thrilling victory away from home at CR Belouizdad got Pirates off to a dream start in Group C but the momentum cooled down a bit with last weekend's bore draw against Al Ahly back home in Johannesburg. However the statement has been made by coach José Riveiro and his team who have gradually progressed since the Spaniard's appointment in June 2022. Riveiro revealed his dreams of having seven points from three games which would be achieved with a victory in Abidjan but Pirates will need to improve their attack which was painfully predictable against Ahly.


Riveiro was a bit conservative against the Egyptian giants but expect him to use a more youthful team in Abidjan. Physically imposing striker Evidence Makgopa is enjoying good form in domestic league play and should lead the attacking line but he will need service from a group of young and inconsistent attacking midfielders.


Monnapule Saleng returned to action against Al Ahly and the unpredictable winger should be called upon to create danger for the Stade defense with his dribbling and flair. In the end the aim for a coach away from home is to keep the opposition from scoring and that is an area where Pirates are quite reliable with only three goals conceded in eight South African Premiership matches.

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