CAF Competitions: Fémafoot backs Malian clubs ahead of crucial fixtures

The Malian Football Federation (Fémafoot) has reaffirmed its support for Stade Malien and Djoliba AC as both sides prepare for key fixtures in the CAF interclub competitions this weekend.

Stade Malien will open their campaign in the CAF Champions League with a first-round clash against Central African Republic champions AS Tempête, while Djoliba AC are set to face Nigeria’s ABIA Warriors FC in the Confederation Cup.

Both encounters, scheduled for Sunday, 21 September 2025, mark the beginning of a demanding journey for Mali’s leading clubs on the continental stage.

In anticipation of these high-stakes matches, a Fémafoot delegation led by first vice-president Moussa Sylvain Diakité paid a visit to the training camps of both teams.

Acting on behalf of the federation’s president, Mamoutou Touré “Bavieux,” Diakité’s mission was to deliver encouragement and express the federation’s commitment to standing firmly behind its representatives.

The timing of the visit was particularly significant, coming just one day before the two Malian giants embark on their travels.

Addressing players and coaching staff, Diakité highlighted the responsibility of representing Mali on the African stage and urged them to approach their matches with determination and focus.

“This is not only about your clubs,” he stressed, “but also about flying the flag of our nation in Africa.”

The gesture was warmly received by officials and players from both teams, who expressed their appreciation for the federation’s support.

Representatives from Stade Malien and Djoliba noted that the presence of Fémafoot’s leadership served as a morale boost ahead of their challenging assignments.

They also conveyed gratitude to Touré, who remains a symbolic figure in Malian football, expressing hopes for his swift return to active leadership.

For Stade Malien, the Champions League tie against AS Tempête presents an opportunity to reinforce their status as one of West Africa’s most consistent clubs.

With a long history of participation in CAF competitions, the Bamako-based side will look to set the tone with a strong away performance before the decisive return leg.

Djoliba AC, meanwhile, face an equally demanding task in the Confederation Cup. Nigerian sides have long posed difficult obstacles for West African opponents, and the match against ABIA Warriors promises to test Djoliba’s resilience. Still, the club remains optimistic, buoyed by domestic form and the federation’s backing.

The visit by Fémafoot officials also underscored the importance of unity between the national federation and its member clubs. In recent years, Malian teams have struggled to progress deep into CAF competitions, but the federation has stressed the need for collaboration, preparation, and psychological readiness if local sides are to break through on the continental stage.

With Charleroi and Djoliba both shouldering the hopes of Malian football, Sunday’s fixtures are being seen as more than just preliminary-round ties.

They represent a chance to showcase Mali’s footballing pedigree to the rest of Africa. Victory in the first legs would not only give the teams an advantage heading into the return fixtures but also provide a significant morale boost for the domestic league.

As anticipation builds, Fémafoot’s show of solidarity has added an extra layer of motivation. For the players and coaches of Stade Malien and Djoliba, the message was clear: they carry the pride of Mali with them as they step onto the continental stage.