CAFCC: Congolese giants AS Otohô deny crisis talk

Congo Premier League’s Association Sportive Otohô (AS Otohô) have denied reports that they are in a crisis ahead of the resumption of their CAF Confederation Cup (CAFCC) assignments.

Social media reports in the Congo Brazzaville football circles had suggested that all was unwell in the camp of the domestic cup kings citing poor preparations and ill-time players’ transfers.

AS Otohô have since released a statement clarifying the state of affairs in the team ahead of the CAFCC group-stage matches.

“AS Otohô wishes to inform its supporters, partners, media, and the national and international sports community that it formally denies the information relayed by a Facebook page alleging a climate of unease within the club as the CAF Confederation Cup approaches,” reads part of the statement.

“Contrary to what has been claimed, there is no deep-seated unease within AS Otohô. The team’s preparation is taking place in a professional, structured environment, and in accordance with the objectives set by the club’s management and technical staff. The internal discussions, normal in the life of an ambitious club, are conducted in a spirit of responsibility and cohesion.”

The statement adds: “AS Otohô also wishes to clarify that the allegations concerning the technical staff’s failure to adhere to their specifications, supposed internal tensions, and doubts about the club’s CAF ambitions are unfounded, exaggerated, and in no way reflect the current situation.

“Furthermore, the player transfers mentioned are part of normal squad management and should not be interpreted as the result of an internal crisis. The club remains focused on its sporting objectives and fully committed to representing the DRC with dignity on the continental stage.”

How AS Otohô stand in CAFCC Group

AS Otohô started their group-stage race with a narrow 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch FC of South Africa before stunning Algerians CR Belouizdad 4-1.

Now with their first three points in the group stage, the Congolese side will travel to Zanzibar to face Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars on the weekend of January 25.

The Congo Brazzaville cup kings were drawn in Group C of the continental competition alongside Algerians CR Belouizdad and Tanzania’s Singida Black Stars in Group C.

Full group:

GROUP C: CR Belouizdad (Algeria), Stellenbosch FC (South Africa), AS Otoho (Congo), Singida Black Stars. (Tanzania)