Séwé Sports Set to Face Bayelsa United in Confederation Cup Play-Offs
Séwé Sports de San Pedro will look to bounce back from a disappointing CAF Champions League campaign when they host Nigeria’s Bayelsa United at the Robert Champroux Stadium in Abidjan for the first leg of their Confederation Cup play-offs.
The Ivorian club, a two-time consecutive Ligue 1 champion (2012, 2013) and runners-up in 2006, is well-acquainted with the challenges posed by Nigerian opposition. However, Séwé Sports coach Rigo Gervais remains confident his team can overcome the physical and spirited challenge posed by the Bayelsa United side.
“We don’t know much about the Nigerians, but we expect an English-speaking team that will come with a strong will to win. Nigerians are known for their physical play, but we have the arguments to counter them,” Gervais told camfoot.com.
After their disappointing exit from the Champions League, Séwé Sports’ focus is firmly on the Confederation Cup. Gervais emphasized the importance of a strong performance to rebuild morale and prove their earlier setback was just a temporary blip.
“Our goal this year is to go very far in the competition. We need to show that the failure in the Champions League was just a one-off. The players have regained their confidence and are ready to make a difference,” Gervais said.
With the return leg on the horizon, the coach hopes to secure a comfortable advantage at home, setting a strong foundation for the second leg. “It would be ideal to lead by two or three goals before traveling for the return match,” he added.
Séwé Sports will look to channel their recent domestic successes as they aim to make a deep run in the Confederation Cup and restore their reputation on the continental stage.
