CAF Confederation Cup: Primeiro de Agosto star Axel Gaudencio embraces Al Ahly and Raja AC challenge in Group A

Primeiro de Agosto midfielder Axel Gaudencio has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against African heavyweights Al Ahly and Raja Casablanca in the group stage of the 2026/27 CAF Confederation Cup.

The Angolan side were drawn in Group A alongside Egyptian giants Al Ahly, Moroccan powerhouse Raja Casablanca and Togo’s ASKO de Kara, setting up a demanding campaign against three opponents with continental ambitions.

Despite the difficult draw, Gaudencio insists Primeiro de Agosto have what it takes to compete on equal terms with their more illustrious opponents and fight for qualification to the knockout stage.

Speaking to Batolat, the midfielder acknowledged the quality of the teams in their group but maintained that his side would approach the challenge with confidence and determination.

“Yes, we just followed the draw, and we found ourselves facing big teams like Al Ahly of Egypt and Raja Casablanca of Morocco, but we are ready to face the challenges that await us,” Gaudencio said.

The Primeiro de Agosto player believes his team should not be intimidated by the reputation of their opponents, insisting that qualification remains a realistic objective if they perform to their full potential.

“We have many opportunities to qualify. We are the Primeiro de Agosto team, and we will face our opponents on equal footing, because football does not know winners before the matches are played, and everything is decided on the field,” he added.

Gaudencio also spoke about facing Al Ahly, acknowledging the Egyptian club’s remarkable history and achievements in African football

The midfielder admitted that he was too young to follow the period when former Angolan internationals Flávio Amado and Gilberto represented Al Ahly, but recalled watching Geraldo, who also played for Primeiro de Agosto before moving to the Egyptian giants.

“I know that it is a big team, known for its achievements in Africa. I am still very young, and I did not follow the Flavio and Gilberto era, but I witnessed Geraldo. Yes, he is a great player who also previously played for Primeiro de Agosto,” he said.

The Angolan midfielder further highlighted the excitement surrounding the upcoming fixtures, describing encounters against established African clubs as opportunities every player hopes to experience.

“Everyone here is definitely looking forward to those matches, because they are games that every African player dreams of playing,” Gaudencio concluded.

Primeiro de Agosto are scheduled to face Al Ahly in Cairo between November 27 and 29, 2026, when the group-stage campaign is expected to begin. The opening encounter will provide an early test of the Angolan side’s ambitions against one of the continent’s most successful clubs.

With Al Ahly and Raja Casablanca also targeting progression, Primeiro de Agosto will need consistent performances to secure one of the group’s qualification places. However, Gaudencio’s comments underline the team’s determination to challenge their opponents rather than simply make up the numbers.