Malian giants Djoliba Athletic Club will arrive in Uyo today, Friday, ahead of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary round first-leg clash against Abia Warriors on Sunday.
The match is scheduled for 4:00 PM at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, marking Abia Warriors’ first-ever appearance in a continental competition.
Djoliba are travelling with a 20-man squad that includes:
•Goalkeepers: Kouassi Wilfried Faveur, Bakary Kouma
•Defenders: Bakary Traoré, Boulkassou Diarra, Dedeou Doumbia, Ali M. Keita, Alou Doumbia, Modibo Kane Camara
•Midfielders: Boubacar Keita, Bourama Diallo, Armel Kader Kenan, Mamadou Soumare, Manzan Ange Fabien
•Wingers: Aboubacar Boubou Sidibé, Lamine Camara, Keffa Tangara, Mahamadou Lamine Sissoko
•Attackers: Adama Traoré, Fodé Touré, Mbinou Amadou
Founded in 1960, Djoliba are Mali’s most successful club, boasting 24 league titles and 20 national cups. On the continental stage, they have played 168 matches in CAF competitions, with their best achievement coming in 2012 when they reached the Confederation Cup final.
For Abia Warriors, Sunday’s clash is a historic opportunity. The Umuahia-based club, coached by Imama Amapakabo, will rely on key players such as Ali Ishaku, Imoh Obot, Casmir Azubuike, Yakub Hammed, Fatai Abdullahi, Gabriel Innocent, Chimezie Njoku, Emmanuel Ogbuagu, Osahon Osaoboh, Paul Samson, and Lawal Suraju to rise to the occasion.
The tie will be decided over two legs, with the return fixture scheduled for September 28 at Stade Mamadou Konaté in Bamako. The winners on aggregate will progress to the second preliminary round in October.
Though playing away from their Umuahia base, Abia Warriors will feel at home at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, a ground that has hosted the Super Eagles and several top Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions.