ASO Chlef Face Uphill Battle in CAF Cup Clash Against Club Africain
Algerian side ASO Chlef face a daunting challenge this Friday as they travel to Tunis for the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup Round of 16 tie against Club Africain. Already struggling in the domestic league, the team heads into the high-stakes North African derby with a depleted squad and slim hopes of progressing to the group stage.
The first leg in Algeria ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving Club Africain with a valuable away goal and a clear advantage heading into the return leg. The situation is made worse for Chlef by a series of absences due to injuries and suspensions.
According to the club’s technical staff, defenders Zineddine Naâmani and Badara will miss the match—Naâmani through injury and Badara due to suspension. Midfielders Tedjar and Messaoud are also sidelined, while the participation of captain Mohamed Zaoui remains in doubt due to fitness concerns.
These setbacks further complicate an already difficult task for ASO Chlef, who are currently second from bottom in the Algerian Ligue 1 with just four rounds remaining in the season. The team’s recent revival—marked by encouraging performances—was derailed by a 1-0 loss to CS Constantine last weekend.
Despite the odds, the Algerian side is determined to put in a respectable performance. However, the club has made clear that survival in Ligue 1 takes priority over their continental campaign.
“We will play without pressure because our main objective is to stay in the top division,” said ASO Chlef’s goalkeeping coach Hassen Sid Rouhou. “The continental competition is just a bonus for us.”
With Club Africain boasting a strong home record and the momentum from their away draw, Chlef will need to produce a near-flawless performance to overturn the odds. While hopes of progression are slim, the match offers the team an opportunity to gain valuable experience on the continental stage—even as their focus remains firmly on avoiding relegation at home.
