Jaraaf coach Malick Daff has pledged his team’s full commitment to securing a victory against Botswana’s Opera United FC in Sunday’s crucial Group C clash of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Cup.
Addressing reporters at a Saturday press conference, Daff emphasized the high stakes of the encounter, calling it decisive for their quarter-final qualification hopes.
“We know there is only one solution: play and try to win,” he declared.
The match will be held at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, where Jaraaf face the challenge of maintaining their campaign amidst a shaky start.
Having earned just two points from three games, the Senegalese side needs a strong performance to stay in contention.
A draw in the first-leg fixture in Gaborone has left Jaraaf with little margin for error in the return leg.
Adding to their challenges is the absence of fans due to sanctions imposed by CAF.
The governing body penalized the club with four matches behind closed doors, two of which remain suspended, following crowd trouble during a previous game against USMA Algiers.
The empty stands at their home stadium present a hurdle for the team, but Daff remains undeterred.
“Even without the fans, our goal is to win,” he asserted confidently.
The experienced coach, who previously led Senegal’s U20 national team, highlighted his team’s familiarity with their opponents and expressed optimism about their preparations.
“We have a deep knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses, and we’re ready to take the three points,” he added.
For Jaraaf, the stakes couldn’t be higher. A win on Sunday would not only revive their qualification hopes but also boost team morale amid the challenging circumstances of playing in an empty stadium.
As the battle unfolds at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium, Daff’s men are determined to rise above the obstacles and deliver a performance worthy of their ambitions.
