CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL: FARID MELLOULI OPTIMISTIC AHEAD OF AS VITA CLUB CLASH
The stage is set for the first leg of the CAF Champions League final this Sunday, as AS Vita Club of Kinshasa hosts Entente Sportive de Sétif in the Democratic Republic of Congo. As anticipation builds, Sétif’s central defender Farid Mellouli, returning from injury, has voiced his confidence and determination ahead of the crucial encounter.
“Morale is high, and all of us will defend the club’s colors with all our heart,” said Mellouli. “We will first look for a good performance. The way to achieve this goal is of little importance. We must manage this match with great intelligence.”
Alongside Mellouli, striker El Hedi Belamiri also returns to the squad after a two-week injury layoff, boosting Sétif’s chances. The team, which eliminated TP Mazembe in the semifinals, becomes the first Algerian club to reach the Champions League final in its current format.
A strong result in Kinshasa would put Sétif in pole position for the return leg — and potentially a historic first-ever Club World Cup appearance for an Algerian club, scheduled for December in Morocco.
“This AS Vita Club team is very technical and that suits us perfectly,” Mellouli added, underscoring Sétif’s readiness for the challenge.
