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Central African Republic champions Red Star Bangui and Malian champions Bamaka Club Atlético de Juliba faced off at the Stade Djaboma in Douala, Cameroon, on Saturday, August 17. The two clubs played out a goalless draw in the African Champions League qualifiers.
Although the final score was 0-0, the match was characterized by the clear dominance of Djoliba AC, who multiplied his chances but failed to convert them. From the kick-off, Djoliba put pressure on the Central African backline with his fast attacks and interesting combinations. The Malian attackers showed their potential by creating multiple chances, but their clumsiness in front of goal was their main obstacle. The goalkeepers of both teams also played a key role and made decisive saves.
Although Red Star dominated, they also showed signs of resistance, with several counterattacks almost surprising the Mali defense, which looked disorganized at times. Despite some excitement, the score remained unchanged until the end of normal time.
Red Star, which was denied the right to play at the Stade Bathelimy Boganda in Bangui by the approval of the Confederation of African Football and FIFA, arrived in Douala on the eve of the match after many negotiations, while the visiting team had already arrived in Douala a week earlier.
Midfield and attack still need to be improved
Red Star, Green and Whites head coach Francis Adenji admitted that his opponents gave him a hard time. But the best thing for him was to adapt and counter Mali’s actions. “We saw experienced opponents. We spent time watching them from the start of the game. We realised they played more on the counter-attack. So we tried to make some adjustments in attack to delay the game, which meant we created a lot of counter-attacks for them to win the ball back. The situation of the technical staff was described in the press conference after the match. If Adenji knows the opponent’s game well and knows how to implement strategies to counterattack, he also has to make adjustments in the attack: “It was our midfielder who caused the problem, he played the ball too quickly. We suffered, but only in the first part. When we restarted, we reorganized them and there was an improvement. This meant we made several attempts. But because it was the first time for the attackers and they lacked experience, we could not implement our actions. But we have learned our lesson and we intend to do better in the second game.” He hopes.
Hopes of this restart are also among the opposition camp. Choliba AC midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko is looking forward to returning to the home ground: “We will try to correct our shortcomings and prepare better for the second game. Our opponents are solid, they are strong, and we really put all the arrangements in place. But hey, luck is not on our side. Because Red Star is a team with good defense. But it does not disappoint us. We will try our best to prepare for the return game in Bamako and react as soon as possible. »
This draw opens the door to all possibilities. The second match, scheduled for August 24 in Bamako, is sure to be very exciting. Joliba will play in front of his fans at home and Red Star must learn the lessons of the first leg and develop the necessary strategy in order to hope to qualify for the African Champions League group stage.
– Also read: Football: Supporters decry delays in restoration of B. Boganda Stadium
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