AC Léopards Determined to Overturn Deficit and Reach CAF Cup Final
AC Léopards of Dolisie face a must-win situation this Saturday as they prepare to host Séwé Sport in the second leg of the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final. After falling 0-1 in the first leg in Abidjan, the Congolese side must respond with a victory by at least two goals to secure a place in what would be only their second continental final.
Coach Patrick Aussems remains optimistic despite the setback and is calling for a reinvigorated attacking performance from his players on home soil. “In Abidjan, the team played below its usual standard,” he admitted in an interview with cafonline.com. “That can be explained by the nearly two-month suspension of the competition, which disrupted our rhythm.”
Still, the Belgian coach insists that AC Léopards’ presence in the semi-finals is no accident. “Our place here is not a coincidence. We topped a group that featured ASEC Mimosas, a legendary club in African football, Real Bamako from Mali, and Coton Sport Garoua, who have been a dominant force in Cameroon. That doesn’t happen by chance.”
Now, with their home supporters behind them and a reputation to uphold, AC Léopards are focused on turning the tie in their favour. The Congolese side, who lifted the CAF Confederation Cup in 2012, are looking to draw on their experience and fighting spirit to overcome the narrow deficit and return to the final.
“The goal we conceded in Abidjan doesn’t make things impossible,” said Aussems. “But it does mean we’ll have to dig deep and find the strength to stop Séwé Sport from making history.”
The coach made it clear that his team’s objective is not simply to make a strong showing — it is to win the tournament outright. “Our aim is to go all the way. And for that, we must eliminate Séwé Sport. There’s no other way.”
With a place in the CAF Cup final hanging in the balance, Saturday’s clash in Dolisie promises to be a thrilling encounter. Séwé Sport will be defending their slim lead with determination, while AC Léopards, driven by ambition and experience, will throw everything forward in pursuit of a historic comeback.
