CAFCC: Stellenbosch FC opponents to miss two stars

Congolese side Association Sportive Otohô (AS Otohô) will miss two influential players in Sunday’s CAF Confederation Cup match against Stellenbosch FC in South Africa.

The Congo Brazzaville cup kings arrived in Polokwane on Friday for the group stage match against the Betway Premiership strugglers at New Peter Mokaba Stadium.

AS Otohô are starting their campaign in Group C which, apart from Stellenbosch, comprises Algerians CR Belouizdad and Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars.

Ahead of the game in South Africa, Sékou Seck’s team has confirmed that it has travelled without skipper Béranger Itoua and right winger Wilfrid Nkaya for separate reasons.

“Our captain Béranger Itoua is suspended for two matches following his red card received during the preliminary matches. Wilfrid Nkaya has not made the trip for administrative reasons,” reads AS Otohô’s statement.

What AS Otohô told his players ahead of Stellenbosch match

Meanwhile, Seck addressed his squad on Friday, reminding them of the importance of staying focused and having a positive attitude to the task at hand.

The Congolese side sailed past Mozambicans Ferroviário de Maputo, beating them 1-0 and 2-0 at home and away, to qualify for the group stages.

On the other hand, Stellenbosch made it to the group stage after seeing off 15 de Agosto de Akonibe 4-1 on aggregate in the second preliminary round.

Last season, Stellies reached the semifinal of the continental competition after overcoming then holders Zamalek. Before such a huge win, the Western Cape-based team had overcome Angolan side CD Lunda Sul, Stade Malien and Zamalek FC.

Steve Barker’s men finally met their match after being stopped in the semifinal by Tanzania’s Simba SC.