CAF Champions League: Dadjè FC held to a draw by Al Ahli Tripoli in Lomé

Dadjè FC earned a goalless draw against Al Ahli Tripoli (0-0) on Friday, September 19 at the Kégué Stadium in Lomé from the first leg of their preliminary round meeting in the CAF Champions League.

For the Benin champions, who are making their debut in this competition, the result, though encouraging, is far from guaranteeing a favorable outcome for the club from Aplahoué. Still, Dadjè coach Yaya Koné remains optimistic: “This zero allows us to stay alive and to approach the return leg with much more serenity, with much more confidence.”

Dadjè looked enterprising in the first half, creating promising situations that were not converted. Koné acknowledged his team’s lack of efficiency:

“In the final third, in the finishing phases, I think the boys lacked shooting more at goal. That’s what was missing because we had two or three chances in the first half, like David Cosmos’s opportunity. I think if he had taken the shot, it could have gone in. Well, then in the second half, we saw Moussa’s shot go completely off target. We also saw Abayomi try to trouble their defense. But I think it’s normal, it’s only the first match of the season, the players are not yet sharp. The bodies are not fully ready. We still have two, three, four days. I hope we can work in that area and prepare better.”

Beyond the lack of finishing, Koné downplayed the result given the difficulties faced during preparation: “Considering the preparation we had, which was very, very difficult,” he said, before adding that the point taken in Lomé represents “a good result” against an experienced opponent.

On the mindset for the trip to Tripoli, the coach struck a cautious but clear note: “We are never too confident,” he warned, recalling football’s uncertainty. But he also issued a rallying call to his players: “If the boys accept to sweat for the jersey, to fight, I think that by God’s grace we can deliver a great surprise to the Beninese people.”

The qualification will therefore be decided in Libya, where Al Ahli will have the advantage of playing at home. To hope for an upset, Dadjè FC will need to combine defensive discipline with offensive efficiency.