USM Alger head coach Nabil Maaloul has emphasized the importance of securing three points in their CAF Cup Group C opener against Botswana’s Orapa United at the 5th of July Stadium. Speaking at a press conference ahead of tomorrow’s match, Maaloul highlighted the team’s resolve to bounce back from their recent defeat to CS Constantine in the domestic league.
This match is completely different from our previous one against CS Constantine.
The players, both ours and the opponents’, will have a new level of motivation,” said the Tunisian coach.
We have already put the loss behind us and focused fully on tomorrow’s match.
Orapa will come with the ambition to get a good result, but we are ready.
Maaloul, who has recently welcomed back attackers Houssem Ghacha and Belkacemi, noted that their return had improved the team’s offensive performance, creating more opportunities for goals.
We have regained our attacking momentum,” Maaloul stated.
We must start this competition well.
Losing any points at this stage will be hard to recover from.
We are confident and focused on achieving victory.
Ghacha, speaking about the team’s mindset, echoed his coach’s sentiments, underlining their determination to move forward after last season’s disappointing exit from the competition.
We are fully aware of the task ahead.
Our aim is to win and to continue our pursuit of this trophy.
Last year’s setbacks are still fresh in our minds, but we are more motivated than ever,” said the left-winger.
USM Alger, a team with a strong history in African club competitions, is keen to make a strong statement at the beginning of this year’s CAF Cup campaign, and the players are determined to build on their recent recovery in form.
Tomorrow’s clash with Orapa United is set to be a crucial step in their quest to claim continental glory.
