Vitesse FC ready for first African test as Real de Bamako visit Ouagadougou

Vitesse FC will begin their first African campaign against Real de Bamako on Sunday, with the Burkina Faso club determined to take an advantage into the away leg of their CAF Confederation Cup preliminary-round tie.

The match will be played at the Stade du 4-Aout in Ouagadougou on 6 September 2026. It is the first leg of the first preliminary round of the competition, marking a significant moment for Vitesse FC as they make their debut on the continental stage.

Coach Ousmane Coulibaly and captain Christian Sanou spoke at the pre-match news conference, held at the Stade du 4-Aout on Saturday, as the club outlined its ambitions before the opening fixture.

Coulibaly said his team would approach the match calmly but with a clear intention to secure victory.

“We will play calmly and the objective is to win at all costs,” said the Burkina Faso coach.

He regards the fixture as an important opportunity for Vitesse FC to begin their African adventure positively. The club will be seeking to use home advantage before travelling to Bamako for the return match.

Sanou echoed his manager’s confidence, saying the squad was in good condition and that the atmosphere within the team remained positive.

The defender said the players understood the importance of producing a strong result in Ouagadougou. Their aim is to win the first leg at home and then go to Bamako with a favourable scoreline as they try to progress beyond the opening round.

The message from both the coaching staff and the squad has also extended to the supporters. Vitesse FC have urged the Burkina Faso public to attend the match in large numbers and provide backing at the Stade du 4-Aout during the club’s first experience of African competition.

The home side’s preparations have therefore centred on confidence, composure and the need to make their debut count. A victory would give Vitesse FC momentum before the second leg in Mali, while also placing them in a stronger position to pursue qualification for the next stage.

Representatives of Real de Bamako were not present at Saturday’s pre-match news conference. Their absence meant the focus remained on Vitesse FC’s plans, with Coulibaly and Sanou presenting a united view of a team eager to embrace its first continental challenge.

The opening encounter between Vitesse FC and Real de Bamako is scheduled for Sunday at the Stade du 4-Aout, where the Burkina Faso club will look to turn its ambition into a winning start.