Amadou Diallo Plateau Football Academy, aka AFAD, based in Abidjan-Plateau,  are getting ready to face the East End Lions of Sierra Leone as they make their return to African elite club football.

This Sunday, September 6, they will host one of Sierra Leone’s most decorated clubs at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny Stadium. This match is the first leg of the first round of the CAF Confederation Cup.
Days before the game, AFAD’s coach, Firmin Koffi, shows calm and determination. He believes the team can succeed in their first challenge in the CAF Confederation Cup.

“We know we’ll face a team that plays direct football with intensity,” says Koffi, highlighting the importance of a strong start in the two-legged tie. “It’s crucial to perform well at home; we aim for a solid lead, ideally 3-0.”

Koffi draws confidence from the team’s preparation, with five wins, five draws, and four losses to their name. He notes that all injured players have returned, and the core of last season’s squad is intact.

AFAD approaches their first African match with seriousness and ambition, aiming to take the lead before travelling to Sierra Leone. They will need strength on the field and support from fans.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Leone Premier League side has arrived safely in Ivory Coast for the match.