Horoya AC remain determined to overturn the odds after a goalless draw against Wydad Casablanca in the first leg of their African Champions League quarter-final on April 6 in Conakry. The Guinean side heads to Rabat next Saturday for the return leg, a match that promises to be decisive for both teams as they vie for a place in the semi-finals of Africa’s premier club competition.
Despite failing to score at home, Horoya’s players remain optimistic. Forward Boniface Haba, speaking to the club’s official website, emphasized the team’s confidence and ambition ahead of the crucial encounter. “We know what awaits us next Saturday. Everyone is aware of the importance of this match, after we gave it our all in Conakry. Now that we haven’t conceded here, we’re going to show them we’re not afraid of them by trying to score first,” Haba said.
The striker described the upcoming fixture as a career-defining moment. “This is the match of my life… I dream of one day saying I played in the Champions League final; it’s a huge honor. Even better, lifting the trophy is something else entirely. Personally, with the support of my teammates, I’ll do everything I can to put on a great performance. I believe we can do it because we know this team,” Haba added, highlighting both his personal motivation and his faith in Horoya’s collective strength.
Midfielder Boubacar Samassekou echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of preparation and tactical discipline. “Right after the match against Wydad AC, we quickly resumed training because we already knew that this return match would be a tense encounter. The coach has had us maneuver well to allow us to be solidly fit in Rabat in order to block the Wydad attackers,” he explained.
Samassekou also underscored his personal commitment to maintaining consistent performance. “What the public should expect from me is what I have done since I started to be fielded in this team,” he said, reinforcing his readiness to contribute fully to Horoya’s push for victory. The Guinean side will need to combine defensive solidity with attacking initiative if they are to succeed in Rabat against one of North Africa’s strongest clubs.
Horoya’s approach for the return leg appears to balance caution with ambition. By preventing Wydad from scoring in the first leg, they have preserved their chance of advancing, but the task in Morocco will be challenging. Wydad, playing in front of their passionate home supporters, will be eager to capitalize on any mistakes, making concentration and tactical awareness crucial for the visiting side.
The stakes are high for both teams. For Horoya AC, advancing to the semi-finals would mark another milestone in their continental campaign, showcasing the strength of Guinean club football on Africa’s biggest stage. The players’ focus, combined with the guidance of their coaching staff, will be central to turning their dream into reality. Fans will be watching closely, hoping the team can deliver a historic performance and write a new chapter in Horoya’s Champions League journey.
