Paradou AC is set to make their CAF Confederation Cup debut this Sunday against Ivorian side San Pedro, a challenging opener for the Algerian club. Several key players are sidelined due to injury, forcing coach Francisco Challo to field a reshuffled lineup. Forward Riad Benayad, defender Islam Arous, midfielder Zakaria Messibah, and defender Hamza Mouali will all be unavailable, leaving Paradou AC to navigate the match without some of their most influential squad members.
The absence of these players poses a significant challenge, particularly against a San Pedro side currently enjoying excellent form in the Ivorian league. Challo acknowledged the difficulty of the situation, highlighting both the injuries and the team’s limited familiarity with their opponents. “The least we can say is that the cascade of injuries our players are suffering from is a real handicap for the team. Especially since these are key players. It will be a difficult match against a team we don’t really know,” he said.
The Algerian side will travel to the Auguste Denise Stadium for the first round of Group D in the CAF Confederation Cup, with kickoff scheduled for 4 PM GMT. Despite the obstacles, Paradou AC will aim to adapt quickly, rely on squad depth, and approach the match strategically to secure a positive start in their inaugural continental campaign.
